Think correctional nursing sounds intimidating? Think again. It’s one of the fastest-growing, most in-demand specialties in healthcare—and one of the most rewarding career paths for RNs and LPNs. Correctional nurses do more than provide care. They’re clinicians, emergency responders, mental health advocates, and often the only healthcare providers incarcerated individuals will see.
With more than 95% of incarcerated individuals returning to their communities, correctional healthcare is essential to public health. And as the nursing shortage continues, facilities across Colorado and the U.S. are urgently hiring compassionate, skilled nurses to fill these roles.
At WSi Healthcare, we connect licensed nurses with high-impact jobs in correctional settings. Here’s why this unique role could be your next career move—and how to get started.
The Demand Is Real—and Growing
Correctional nurses provide vital care in environments where medical access is limited but urgently needed. And with over 1.2 million people incarcerated in the U.S., the demand for skilled nurses in jails and prisons isn’t going anywhere.
According to the American Nurses Association, correctional health is one of the top five non-traditional nursing specialties in terms of job stability and demand.
Nearly 40% of incarcerated individuals report having a chronic medical condition, and 20% suffer from serious mental illness, making correctional nurses essential to ongoing care.
Facilities across Colorado and beyond are urgently hiring RNs and LPNs to fill mission-critical roles.
The Must-Have Credentials
To break into this field, you’ll need:
A valid and unrestricted RN or LPN license
Graduation from an accredited nursing program
BLS certification (Basic Life Support)
(Bonus) A compact state license, especially for travel contracts
While some correctional roles require 1+ years of experience, many facilities value the right mindset and willingness to learn just as much as a long résumé.
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects a 6% growth in RN jobs from 2022 to 2032—faster than the average for all occupations. Correctional facilities are a major contributor to this demand.
What Does a Correctional Nurse Actually Do?
Your day-to-day may include:
Conducting patient assessments and implementing care plans
Administering medications (volume varies by facility)
Responding to emergencies and supporting urgent care needs
Collaborating with custody and healthcare teams
Documenting care accurately in a structured, secure environment
This is real nursing—no fluff. Your clinical skills and decision-making make a tangible difference every shift.
Must-Have Credentials
To get started, you’ll need:
An active RN or LPN license
Graduation from an accredited nursing program
BLS certification
A compact license is a plus for travel roles
1+ years of clinical experience preferred, especially for CDOC roles
Clinical Confidence Is Key
As a correctional nurse, you’re often working without the luxury of multiple specialists or equipment down the hall. You’ll be the go-to for:
Emergency response
Chronic disease management (diabetes, hypertension, asthma)
Medication administration
Detox, wound care, mental health support
This isn’t just a desk job—you’re in the field, making fast, informed decisions that have real consequences. You need to be clinically sharp, adaptable, and confident in your assessments.
Emotional Strength Meets Purpose-Driven Care
Correctional nurses often describe their work as some of the most meaningful and eye-opening of their careers.
You’ll need:
Strong emotional intelligence
Clear professional boundaries
Patience and empathy for complex life experiences
The ability to stay calm under pressure
You’re not just treating conditions—you’re restoring dignity, building trust, and offering care where it’s often been absent for years.
Fact check: Studies show that incarcerated individuals have higher rates of mental illness, infectious disease, and chronic conditions than the general population—meaning nurses in corrections play a vital role in overall health equity.
Safety First—Always
Every facility has strict safety protocols and correctional officers are always nearby. But your mindset matters too.
Stay alert and aware
Follow procedures carefully
Communicate clearly with custody staff
Know when to advocate and when to escalate
With the right training (which we help provide), safety becomes second nature—and you’re never alone in your role.
Flexibility Is Your Superpower
Correctional healthcare is a 24/7 operation. That means:
Day, night, and weekend shifts are available
Local and travel nurse contracts are in high demand
This makes correctional nursing a great fit for professionals looking to maximize income, gain unique experience, or explore contract-based careers with long-term growth potential.
Why Correctional Nursing Is Worth It
Job security in a high-demand field
Competitive pay and benefits
Fulfilling work with real impact
Minimal family involvement compared to hospital roles
Opportunities to grow in leadership, education, or behavioral health
WSi Healthcare Can Help You Launch Your Correctional Nursing Career
At WSi Healthcare, we’ve been helping nurses thrive for nearly 40 years. Our team understands the unique demands of correctional placements—and we’re with you every step of the way.
We offer:
Job matching for local and travel contracts
Credentialing support and onboarding
Ongoing career guidance and check-ins
Whether you’re an experienced RN or an LPN looking for your next chapter, we’ll help you find a role that matches your skills, values, and lifestyle.
Where We’re Hiring
WSi Healthcare is currently hiring local RN correctional nurses in:
Canon City, Pueblo, Sterling, Limon, Ordway, Trinidad, Buena Vista, Rifle, and Delta — with travel positions available across other states for those ready to explore new locations.
Whether you're looking for a flexible local contract or a fully supported travel nurse package, we’ve got options to fit your lifestyle.
Be Patient with the Process
Working in a correctional facility means going through a thorough background check and onboarding. Hiring into the Colorado Department of Corrections (CDOC) can take a few weeks—but for many nurses, it’s absolutely worth the wait.
Ready to Make an Impact Where It Matters Most?
Browse our open positions today at https://www.wsijobs.com/job-seekers or contact us at careers@wsijobs.com to start your journey into correctional healthcare today!