Interested in Pursuing a Nursing Career in Corrections?

Being a correctional nurse isn’t your average day at the office—it’s fast-paced, intense, and full of surprises. If you’ve got nerves of steel, a heart of gold, and the ability to keep your cool when things get tough, you’ll thrive here. You'll work with people who’ve had a tough road, and your compassion can be the thing that reminds them they’re still human and still matter. Correctional nurses don’t just provide care—they bring dignity, hope, and a little light into some of the darkest places. 

A correctional nurse provides healthcare to people who are incarcerated in jails, prisons, or detention centers. They handle many of the same responsibilities as nurses in hospitals or clinics—but in a much more controlled, high-security setting. Here's a breakdown of what they typically do:

• Perform health assessments: Check vital signs, review medical histories, and triage inmates who are sick or injured.
   
• Provide routine and emergency care: Treat illnesses, injuries, and chronic conditions like diabetes, asthma, or hypertension.
   
• Administer medications: Distribute daily meds and monitor for side effects or misuse.
   
• Support mental health care: Help manage psychiatric conditions and coordinate with mental health professionals.
   
• Respond to emergencies: Be ready for anything from fights to medical crises like overdoses or heart attacks.
   
• Health education: Teach inmates about hygiene, disease prevention, and managing chronic conditions.
   
• Document everything: Keep accurate records, which are critical in legal and medical contexts.
   

• Security first: You’re always working under strict safety protocols, often with correctional officers nearby.
   
• Limited resources: You may have to be creative and adaptable in a setting with fewer medical tools than a typical clinic.
   
• Building trust: Many inmates are wary of authority, so being compassionate yet professional is key.
   

Correctional nurses play a vital role in bridging the gap between healthcare and the justice system, ensuring that everyone—regardless of their past—receives proper medical attention.

To work as a correctional nurse, you typically need one of the following nursing licenses, depending on the position and facility:

• Education: 1-year practical nursing program
• License: Must pass the NCLEX-PN exam
• Role: Handles basic care—vitals, meds, wound care, and assists RNs
   

• Education: Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) or Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN)
• License: Must pass the NCLEX-RN exam
• Role: Performs comprehensive assessments, creates care plans, administers complex treatments, and supervises LPNs or unlicensed personnel
   

• Certified Correctional Health Professional (CCHP): A credential from the National Commission on Correctional Health Care (NCCHC) that demonstrates expertise in the field
   
• Advanced certifications: Such as Psychiatric-Mental Health Nursing (PMHN) or Emergency Nursing (CEN) for specialized roles

 Most correctional nurses work in jails and prisons, but their skills are needed in a variety of settings. You’ll also find them in juvenile detention centers, secure group homes for youth, halfway houses, community jails, and private correctional facilities. Depending on the type of facility, correctional nurses may be employed by the state or federal government, or work for private companies that provide contracted healthcare services in correctional settings. Each environment offers its own unique challenges—and opportunities to make a real impact. 

Working in corrections with a past arrest or felony conviction can be tricky, but it’s not necessarily impossible. It largely depends on the nature of your conviction, the state or facility’s policies, and how much time has passed since the offense. Here’s what you should know:

1. Type of Offense: Some convictions, particularly violent crimes, may disqualify you from working in a correctional setting. Non-violent offenses or those that occurred many years ago might be more easily forgiven.
    
2. Time Passed: If you’ve been out of trouble for an extended period, especially with evidence of rehabilitation, some facilities may be more lenient. For example, certain states or employers may have a “clean record” requirement for a number of years.
    
3. State/Federal vs. Private Facilities: State and federal government jobs tend to have stricter hiring standards, especially when it comes to past criminal activity. Private correctional facilities, however, might have a little more flexibility in their hiring policies.
    
4. Job Type and Role: For certain jobs, like direct patient care, employers might have more rigorous background check requirements compared to administrative or support roles.
    

• Seek Expungement or Pardons: In some cases, you may be eligible to have your record expunged or receive a pardon, which can improve your chances of employment.
   
• Provide Proof of Rehabilitation: Demonstrating that you’ve taken steps to turn your life around (through education, counseling, or volunteer work) can help show that you’re now a responsible candidate.
   
• Be Honest: If asked about your criminal background during the application process, it's important to be upfront. Lying or omitting the truth can hurt your chances, as it can lead to disqualification if discovered later.
   

Each facility will have its own policies, so it’s always a good idea to check with the specific employer or state agency for their criteria.