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.