How to Become a Correctional Nurse
Correctional nurses operate in a dynamic and challenging environment. They must maintain composure under stress and be open to dealing with difficult individuals. Inmates often feel neglected and undeserving of basic empathy and healthcare, and this is where correctional nurses play a crucial role. In this piece, we will discuss: What role do correctional nurses play? How can one pursue a career as a correctional nurse? Are there specific certifications needed for correctional nurses? Where are correctional nurses typically employed? What is the job market and salary range for correctional nurses?
What role do correctional nurses play?
Correctional nurses hold numerous duties. Their primary task is conducting the initial health assessment of inmates. They evaluate the inmate's condition before placing them in the general population. Inmates with infectious diseases or other severe health issues might receive recommendations for specialized care or placement. Other key responsibilities include:
Assessing illness and injury
Correctional nurses are the first to address any illness or injury an inmate may experience while incarcerated. They determine whether the condition can be managed within the facility or requires external medical intervention.
Keeping precise health records
Correctional nurses are responsible for maintaining detailed health records and regularly updating the supervising doctor or nurse practitioner on the inmate's healthcare needs.
Managing ongoing conditions
Many inmates suffer from chronic health issues that require regular monitoring and treatment. For example, a correctional nurse may be responsible for administering insulin to a diabetic inmate and ensuring their condition remains stable. Inmates do not self-administer medications, so nurses also manage medication inventory and distribution.
Providing emergency medical assistance
Prisons can be volatile places, and conflicts may result in injuries. Correctional nurses must act swiftly to provide urgent care in these situations.
How can one pursue a career as a correctional nurse?
Correctional nurses need to be licensed as an RN, LPN, or APN. Educational and testing requirements vary by state, and some institutions prefer candidates with a BSN due to the complex nature of prison healthcare.
Are there specific certifications needed?
While not mandatory, obtaining certifications is advisable. The National Commission on Correctional Healthcare offers a Certified Correctional Health Professional credential for RNs. Eligibility criteria include holding an active RN license, having two years of full-time RN experience, accumulating 2,000 hours in a correctional setting over the past three years, and completing 54 hours of continuing education, with 18 hours related to correctional healthcare.
Where are correctional nurses typically employed?
Correctional nurses are mainly found in prisons and jails but can also work in juvenile detention centers and secure homes for young offenders. They may be employed by state or federal agencies or by private companies that manage correctional facilities.
What is the job market and salary range for correctional nurses?
The demand for correctional nurses is high, paralleling the growing inmate population in the U.S., driven by policy shifts. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics forecasts a 6% growth in this sector from 2021 to 2031, outpacing many other fields. Correctional nurse salaries vary by state, including Alabama, Arizona, California, Colorado, Florida, Georgia, Indiana, Massachusetts, Michigan, Missouri, North Carolina, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Texas, and Virginia. Their earnings are comparable to RNs in other settings, with a median salary of $82,750 per year or $39.78 per hour.
