Choosing a nursing assignment is a bit like picking a hiking trail. Some routes are familiar and well-traveled, while others are off the beaten path but offer unexpected rewards.

Correctional travel nursing focuses on providing healthcare to individuals in jails, prisons, and juvenile detention centers. Unlike working in a hospital, private clinic, or school, you bring care directly into a place where it is not always easy to come by.

Travel nursing within correctional facilities has been gaining traction as a career, and there are many answers to “Why?”

At AB Staffing Solutions, most of the nurses enjoy choosing corrections for the following reasons.

Top 8 Reasons Nurses Choose Correctional Travel Assignments

1. High Pay and Contract Flexibility

Let’s start with what every employee wants to know about first – compensation. After all, you deserve a paycheck that reflects your efforts, skills, and dedication.

In 2024, the median pay for registered nurses was $93,600 per year or $45.00 per hour. That is a solid salary, but travel nurses have a chance to earn more, especially in correctional facilities.

These healthcare professionals start with an hourly base rate, which can vary depending on the state, the facility, and the demand. They also receive tax-free stipends to cover housing and living expenses, as well as overtime and holiday pay that can add up.

And let’s not forget about flexibility.

Traveling correctional nurses usually have the freedom to take a break between assignments, too, thanks to contract flexibility. If you become one, you can select a new post or extend. You are in control. Every assignment comes with a fresh contract, and you may negotiate what matters most to you.

2. Better Compensation for Specialized Roles

Correctional travel nurses do not fill a general nursing need — they step into a highly specialized environment. Jails, prisons, and juvenile detention centers rely heavily on these nurses for quality care in complex settings, and they are accordingly well-equipped.

Isolation, ethical dilemmas, and stress are a possibilities, so those who take on the roles may expect more competitive salaries.

A strong base pay plus benefits? What a financially rewarding path!

3. Purpose-Driven Work That Makes a Difference

Not everyone gets to build a career that truly means something. Correctional travel nurses do.

Some end up simply clocking in and out, counting the hours until their next day off. There is nothing wrong with that, but would it be enough to keep you going? A purpose is necessary to fuel your passion and remind you why you became what you are in the first place.

As a correctional travel nurse, you see individuals who might not have seen a nurse or doctor in years. Each time you take vitals or administer medications, you also offer dignity, hope, and healing in a place where compassion is desperately needed.

You make a tangible difference in patients’ lives, whether by helping them manage chronic conditions, improve mental health, or recover from whatever they are struggling with. When most would rather serve others elsewhere, you serve them there because you choose to.

4. Helping Underserved and At-Risk Populations

Correctional travel nursing is about diversity and complexity as it covers all ages, backgrounds, and health histories. These professionals are often the first and sometimes onlyhealthcare providers inmates interact with.

As a correctional nurse, you are the front line for medical assessments, preventive care, and ongoing treatment, ensuring everyone receives proper and humane healthcare. Supporting a population that society often overlooks brings a sense of fulfillment.

5. Growth, Autonomy, and Job Security

Working in correctional settings challenges nurses to develop advanced clinical judgment and strong communication skills. What will you learn? Perform independently, make quick decisions, and handle a wide variety of situations. The better you adapt, the more confident you become.

As for job security, there is nothing to worry about. The U.S. correctional system houses nearly two million individuals across the following:

1,600 state and federal prisons
2,850 local jails
1,500 juvenile correctional facilities
190 immigration detention facilities
80 Tribal jails
Civil commitment centers
Military prisons
U.S. territory prisons
Psychiatric hospitals

Unlike hospital units that may fluctuate with census numbers, the role provides steady, reliable employment.

6. Adventure Opportunities

Do you have a bit of wanderlust? Travel nurses in the correctional specialty can explore cities, regions, and even countries!

Be a corrections nurse in Springfield, Illinois, or Hastings, Minnesota, and see local attractions, hike nearby trails, or immerse yourself in the community between shifts. Some even take their assignments on the road in an RV, balancing meaningful work andadventure.

Traditional nursing roles rarely hand over that opportunity. Many do not get enough time or energy after a long shift to do much beyond their daily routine. But correctional travel nursing encouragesyou to do more.

It does not tie you to one facility or one schedule forever. New environments, new tasks, new colleagues, and new people every time? Work will excite and refresh your spirit! Grow professionally while satisfying your personal curiosity about the world around you.

7. Cultural Awareness and Competence

Correctional travel nurses gain something beyond technical skills, and that is cultural competence.

Working with different inmate populations means you will encounter people from different ethnic, social, and cultural backgrounds. Each assignment shows you a new perspective, and, eventually, you develop a deep understanding of how culture, environment, and health intersect.

Heightened awareness enables you to become a more empathetic and well-rounded professional.

8. Ease of Finding Assignments

Yes, there are 29 million nurses worldwide, but the World Health Organization estimates a shortage of 4.5 million nurses by 2030. That shortage hits correctional facilities especially hard. So, whenever you search for openings, there will alwaysbe one.

Staffing agencies focusing on travel nursing, such as AB Staffing Solutions, make finding correctional jobs stress-free and straightforward. These agencies partner with facilities nationwide, giving you access to consistent opportunities in cities like Roanoke, Virginia, Kalamazoo, Michigan, and more.

Become a Traveling Correctional Nurse

Correctional travel nurses wear many hats. If any of the reasons above resonate with you, it could be your next great career move.

At AB Staffing Solutions, we handle the logistics so you can do what you dream of doing: providing exceptional care to people who need it and see the world. We are an experienced staffing agency that connects healthcare professionals with travel assignments across the country, including correctional facilities.

Say yes to higher pay, the adventure, or the meaningful impact! AB Staffing Solutions is here to support you. Discover correctional travel nursing jobs that guarantee purpose, flexibility, and growth. Call 888-515-3900 or contact us online to learn more about the endless possibilities waiting for you.

Ready to take the next step?

Explore correctional travel nursing opportunities and find your perfect assignment on The Gypsy Nurse Job Board.

If you’re a nurse seeking a meaningful career shift that offers stability, competitive pay, and an opportunity to make a tangible impact, correctional nursing might be the ideal next step. Though often overlooked, correctional nursing is a rewarding field where your skills, compassion, and independence can thrive. Being a corrections nurse isn’t just about basic care. You have a chance to help an underserved community and make a real impact.

What is Correctional Nursing?

Correctional nursing is a specialty focusing on providing healthcare to individuals in facilities such as jails, prisons, and juvenile detention centers. Nurses in these settings assess and treat a range of medical issues, including chronic illness and mental health conditions, as well as provide emergency response and routine screenings.

Correctional nurses act as the primary healthcare providers in many facilities, especially those in rural areas. They serve a critical role in ensuring incarcerated individuals receive the medical attention and continuity of care they need, often being the first, and sometimes the only, healthcare contact for patients.

Benefits of Working in Corrections

Competitive Pay and Benefits

One of the most appealing aspects of correctional nursing is the compensation. Many correctional facilities, especially those managed by government agencies or private contractors, offer salaries that exceed those in traditional hospital or clinic settings. There may be government or agency-sponsored benefits, including a comprehensive benefits package such as health insurance, retirement, and paid time off. Talk to your recruiter to learn your options in terms of locations and benefits.

Schedule Stability

Unlike hospitals, where nurses may work rotating shifts, long hours, or unexpected overtime, correctional nurses often enjoy fixed schedules. Many facilities run on set shifts, offering more consistent work-life balance. This predictability can be especially beneficial for those managing families or other responsibilities outside of work.

High Demand and Job Security

With a nationwide shortage of nurses and a consistently high need for medical professionals in the correctional system, job security in this field is strong. Whether you’re looking for a permanent position or prefer the flexibility of travel nursing, opportunities are available, and you are in demand in urban and rural areas. Correctional healthcare staffing agencies frequently have openings that span the country, making it easier to find a role that fits your preferences, whether travel nursing or a permanent role.

Autonomy and Skill Development

Correctional nursing often involves a high degree of autonomy. Nurses are expected to make informed clinical decisions, often without a physician immediately present. This independence fosters the development of critical thinking and decision-making skills. The scope of practice is broad, as you will be handling triage, chronic disease management, mental health assessments, emergency care, and even patient education.

Meaningful Impact

Perhaps one of the most underappreciated aspects of correctional nursing is its human impact. You provide care for an often overlooked and underserved population. Your presence humanizes healthcare within a system that can feel dehumanizing for many. Whether it’s helping someone manage diabetes or offering compassionate care during a crisis, your work makes a real difference.

Challenges to Consider

Correctional nursing isn’t without its unique challenges. Working in a secure environment means adhering to strict safety protocols, including controlled access, patient movement, and emergency response procedures. Emotional resilience is essential, as you may encounter patients dealing with trauma, mental illness, or substance abuse.

Managing complex cases with limited resources can also be demanding. Nurses must be prepared to provide quality care in a setting that may not always have the same infrastructure or support systems as a hospital.

Who Is a Good Fit for Correctional Nursing?

Correctional Nursing is a good idea for nurses with strong assessment skills, emotional intelligence, and the ability to work independently. Those with emergency room (ER), intensive care unit (ICU), or psychiatric experience often transition well into corrections due to their ability to handle fast-paced, high-stakes environments.

Correctional nursing is also ideal for those who appreciate structure and predictability but still want the excitement of varied clinical experiences.

How to Get Started

Licensing and Background Requirements

To work in correctional nursing, you must hold an active RN or LPN license, depending on the facility’s requirements. Most employers also require a clean background check, drug screening, and current immunizations. Some states may require additional security clearances to work inside correctional institutions.

Training and Orientation

Facilities often provide extensive training during onboarding, including security protocols, emergency procedures, and specific healthcare policies related to the incarcerated population. Some positions also offer ongoing professional development or tuition assistance for continuing education.

Partnering with a Staffing Agency

Working with a staffing agency that specializes in correctional healthcare can streamline the job search process. At AB Staffing, we match you with facilities that align with your preferences for location, shift type, and clinical focus. Our recruiters provide support throughout your assignment.

Correctional nursing offers a unique combination of stability, professional growth, and the chance to make a profound impact on a historically underserved population. If you’re a nurse who values independence, thrives in challenging environments, and wants to explore a career path that breaks away from the traditional mold, correctional nursing could be your next big opportunity.

Check out the Job Board for opportunities. We look forward to working with you!

AB Staffing Solutions provided this article.

Are you seeking new opportunities in your nursing career? Staffing agencies are in need of travel Corrections Nurses to care for the 2.1 million incarcerated adults in our country. This is a unique opportunity in the complex environment of correctional facilities. As a nurse, you will be responsible for the medical care and well-being of inmates. You have the chance to serve with compassion and manage a diverse patient population with a variety of conditions.

If you’re a nurse who excels at quick thinking, embraces the varied challenges of patient care, and is eager to leverage your expertise in fields like Psychiatry, Emergency Care, or Forensic Nursing, this opportunity is worth considering. Even if your experience lies in different areas, you could still be a strong contender, especially if you thrive in dynamic, fast-paced work settings.

Responsibilities of a Travel Corrections Nurse

Like the role of a corrections nurse, as a travel nurse, you have the added opportunity to work at facilities in various places with duties that may include:

Assessing and treating varied conditions.
Administering medications and monitoring side effects.
Educating inmates about preventative healthcare, management of chronic diseases, and healthy lifestyle choices.
Responding to medical emergencies throughout the facility, including injuries, overdoses, and cardiac events.

As a Corrections Nurse, you may have more responsibility than nurses in other specialties simply because of the lack of medical professionals in these facilities. Doctors may be covering multiple areas or focused on the most medically needy, making you the go-to for other situations and conditions. This is why Travel Corrections Nurses are in demand; there are more inmates in need than providers available.

Facilities are seeking Travel Corrections Nurses with the following:

Experience in med-pass, detox, intake, sick call, and/or infirmary.
Skills that include the ability to learn on the fly and manage stressful situations and medical emergencies.
Physical ability to stand for a full shift.
Thick skin. Our travel corrections nurse, Rachel, said, “You will be in an environment where you hear a lot of profanity and slang. Be professional, and you will gain respect.”

If you have experience in Emergency Room, Psych, Detox Center, Forensic, Ambulatory, or Flight Nurse, the transition to corrections may be easier. You’re already used to working in a high-demand, quick decision-making environment, which translates well into this specialty.

Most Asked Questions

We asked our recruiters what our travelers ask about corrections nursing, and here’s what they had to say.

Will I be safe? In our Safety Protocols article, we provide specifics about safety, and YES, correctional healthcare facilities have rigorous security protocols in place to protect staff and inmates. Being vigilant with your staff as well as processes and procedures with patients and security, as defined by your on-site supervisor, will also keep you safe in the workplace.
What questions will I be asked in my interview? As with any interview, you will be asked about your experience and how it relates to this position for which you have applied. You may also be asked why you want to be a corrections nurse, how you feel about providing care for prisoners, and how you manage stress.
What can I bring into prison with me when I work? Each facility has different procedures regarding what medical professionals are allowed to have with them while at work. You may be able to bring a phone, wallet, or purse. You may need a search before entering the workplace. It depends on the facility, level of security, and their processes. Agencies work closely with their corrections facility clients and travelers to ensure that they are updated and pass that information on to you before you even begin your first shift.
Does the background check take a long time to process? This will depend on the facility. Your recruiter can get answers directly to this and other questions you may have.

Not only can they answer your questions to evaluate if you want to pursue this specialty, but our recruiters will also be with you through the entire process, including after you’re placed. Our corrections nurses have told us they often feel safer and enjoy the variety of work in this specialty compared to work in traditional spaces. Either way, we’re ready to talk to you! Contact AB Staffing today to learn more about the jobs we have available.

Our job board is a great place to search for your next travel nurse assignment. We have you covered with our housing page if housing is an issue. You can search for what you are looking for.

AB Staffing Solutions provided this article.

As a corrections nurse, you provide healthcare to a portion of the 2.1 million inmates in correctional institutions. Often there are only a handful of medical professionals and limited supplies. As a nurse, you will need to be able to assess patients and handle their needs with whatever you have on hand. In some cases, they will need to be stabilized for transport for care at a hospital.

As a corrections nurse, be prepared for anything from communicable diseases and traumatic injuries to mental health management and basic healthcare. You may also be providing care to staff, though that is not always the case, and may be supervising nursing assistants in the treatment of inmate ailments and injuries.

You may think that this environment isn’t safe, but that’s not what nurses say. Security measures are taken from when you enter the parking area to when you enter the facility and when you’re working with patients. When working with the most dangerous prisoners, they will have security assigned to them. This personnel stays with the prisoner throughout the medical process, so you’re safe with whomever you work with.

The patients are appreciative of the time and care you take with them. Some haven’t had medical attention in a long time, if ever, and may have come from living on the streets or in deplorable conditions. You will be treating any number of conditions, including tuberculosis and other respiratory issues and infections from lack of dental care. It’s challenging but rewarding work.

What traits does a corrections nurse have?

In this position, you will need to be able to work collaboratively with others using limited supplies, making the most of what you have on hand. Other traits include communication skills, patience, empathy, and interpersonal skills. Communication with inmates can be challenging depending on the circumstance and type of prison in which you work.

When you are interviewed for this position, you may be asked questions like:

How does your experience pertain to this contract?
What characteristics do you have that will make this a successful contract?
Why do you want to work on this particular contract?
What do you like/ dislike about corrections?
How do you handle pressure and stress as an RN/LPN in a locked facility?

Prepare your answers and update your resume well ahead of the interview. It will go a long way in making you stand out as a great candidate for the job.

What types of nurses work in corrections?

Experienced nurses are needed to manage the work of a nurse in a prison. That is for the protection and safety of other nurses, inmates, and staff at the facility. As a corrections nurse, you will be required to have completed RN or LPN, have a few years of experience, and complete a Basic Life Support (BLS) exam to be considered.

If you have forensic psychology experience, that is a plus for this job. If you think you’d like to enter this specialty, we suggest trying a corrections contract by connecting with a local prison or county jail in your area. Ask if they are accepting PRN or short-term contracts.

As an RN or LPN, we know you have a lot of choices of where to work, and serving this unique population may not have been on your list, but you are needed as much here as anywhere else there are nursing opportunities.

What kind of work will you do?

The type of work will vary depending on the facility. You will likely be the first point of contact to perform intake exams, administer medication, and determine whether further care is needed from a specialist. You may also assess the patient’s mental health and chronic conditions to determine if they need additional care.

You may be working with a population of 100 inmates or as many as 1,000 inmates, maximum- or minimum-security prisons, or even juvenile detention centers.

Can you be a corrections travel nurse?

YES! There are corrections RN and LPN positions in states all across the country. Check our Job Board for the complete current list of opportunities.

While working in this specialty can be challenging, it can, as with any nursing specialty, also be rewarding. We look forward to exploring this option with you. Contact us today to learn more.

Our job board is a great place to search for your next travel nurse assignment. We have you covered with our housing page if housing is an issue. You can search for what you are looking for.

Top 8 Reasons Nurses Choose Correctional Travel Assignments

1. High Pay and Contract Flexibility

2. Better Compensation for Specialized Roles

3. Purpose-Driven Work That Makes a Difference

4. Helping Underserved and At-Risk Populations

5. Growth, Autonomy, and Job Security

6. Adventure Opportunities

7. Cultural Awareness and Competence

8. Ease of Finding Assignments

Become a Traveling Correctional Nurse

Ready to take the next step?

Related Posts

Enrolling in an RN to BSN Program as a Travel Nurse

4 Ways for Travel Nurses to Stick to a Healthy Eating Plan

Best Places for Travel Nurses in the Winter

Categories

Travel Healthcare Jobs

Recent Articles

What is Correctional Nursing?

Benefits of Working in Corrections

Challenges to Consider

Who Is a Good Fit for Correctional Nursing?

How to Get Started

Partnering with a Staffing Agency

Related Posts

Tackling Loneliness as a Travel Nurse: How to Stay Connected on the Road

How To Leave A Stressful Nursing Shift Behind

High-Paying Travel Nurse Positions: Unlock Your Earning Potential

Categories

Travel Healthcare Jobs

Recent Articles

Responsibilities of a Travel Corrections Nurse

Facilities are seeking Travel Corrections Nurses with the following:

Most Asked Questions

Related Posts

Winter to Spring: How to Extend Your Travel Nurse Assignment

4 Signs Geriatric Nursing is Right for You

3 Benefits of Agency-Provided Housing for Travel Nurses

Categories

Travel Healthcare Jobs

Recent Articles

What traits does a corrections nurse have?

What types of nurses work in corrections?

What kind of work will you do?

Can you be a corrections travel nurse?

Related Posts

Travel Nurse Red Flags: Protecting Yourself from Scammers

When Travel Nursing Plans Meet a Pandemic

Extending Your Travel Nurse Contract: Pros, Cons, and Tips

Categories

Travel Healthcare Jobs

Recent Articles

Sign Up for Our Community Newsletter Today

Nurses Week