How to Become a Correctional Nurse
Correctional nurses treat patients in prisons and correctional facilities and after release. The steps to become a correctional nurse include education, testing, and licensing, after which correctional nurses can pursue employment. Below, we’ll detail the steps to follow, how long it takes to become a correctional nurse, and where to start.
Become a Correctional Nurse in 7 Steps
To become a correctional nurse, candidates must first become licensed registered nurses (RNs). While not mandatory, they can pursue higher education and certification in a specialty.
4
Work as a Registered Nurse
Before an RN can begin work as a correctional nurse, they must first gain a few years of bedside clinical experience. Any field can provide helpful experience for a future career in correctional nursing.
5
Apply for Correctional Nurse Jobs
After spending some time at the bedside, nurses can apply for correctional nurse positions.
6
Earn Correctional Nurse Certification
After some bedside experience, correctional nurses may pursue specialty certification in their field through the National Commission on Correctional Healthcare (NCCHC) or the American Correctional Association (ACA). While not required for work in this field, specialty certification can make candidates more desirable to potential employers.
Schooling Requirements for Correctional Nurses
Correctional nurses may work as RNs or pursue advanced degrees, like a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) or a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP). While most positions don’t require high-level degrees, they may offer higher compensation and more opportunities for professional advancement.
Associate Degree in Nursing
An Associate Degree in Nursing, or ADN, is the quickest option to become a correctional nurse with no previous university education. ADN degrees can take 18 months to two years to complete and may require some prerequisites before an application can be accepted.
Time to Complete
18 months to 2 years
Clinical Hours
190 to 900*
Pros
- Earn a nursing degree in less than two years
- Less competitive than a BSN
- Lower cost than a BSN
Cons
- May limit job opportunities compared to a BSN
- Must obtain a BSN before pursuing an advanced practice nursing degree
*Varies depending on institution
Sources: Central New Mexico Community College, Teaching and Learning in Nursing
Correctional nurses with an ADN may receive lower pay and may not have their first choice of positions compared to those with a BSN.
Bachelor of Science in Nursing
A Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) gives future correctional nurses a well-rounded education experience. Typically completed over four years, the BSN curriculum covers the basics of nursing care and how the body works, but also teaches more specialized critical thinking skills.
Clinical Hours
160 to 750*
Pros
- More likely to pass NCLEX on the first attempt (82.32% with a BSN vs. 77.91% with an ADN)
- Easier to find work in highly specialized environments like gerontology or neonatology
- Higher salary than an ADN
Cons
- Takes longer to complete than an ADN
- More competitive than an ADN
- More expensive than an ADN
*Varies depending on institution
Sources: Forbes Advisor, Teaching and Learning in Nursing, National Council of State Boards of Nursing
A BSN prepares future correctional nurses to handle a high level of critical thinking. This degree teaches high-level concepts like evidence-based practice, community health nursing, statistics used in research, nursing management and leadership, health informatics and analysis, healthcare ethics, and nutrition.
Master of Science in Nursing
A Master of Science in Nursing, or MSN, can be earned in two years, but many students continue to work throughout the program, which increases time to completion.
Doctor of Nursing Practice
A Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) degree is the highest level of education a nurse can achieve. This program takes longer than an MSN but may offer higher salaries and more opportunities.
Correctional Nurse Licensing
Once a new nursing graduate has earned their degree, they must apply for licensure. Correctional nurses must apply for a registered nurse license to practice. To become a licensed and practicing nurse in any state, all nursing graduates must pass the state licensing exam (the NCLEX-RN) and apply for a state license.
NCLEX-RN
The National Council Licensure Examination–RN (NCLEX-RN) is a computer-based exam with 85 to 150 questions. The exam takes anywhere from one hour to a maximum of five hours. Questions fall into four basic categories:
1. Safe and Effective Care Environment
2. Health Promotion and Maintenance
3. Psychosocial Integrity
4. Physiological Integrity
Once completed, the state board of nursing sends test results within six weeks, usually by email. In the time leading up to the NCLEX-RN, it’s important for graduates to study practice questions to ensure a passing grade, and many students take NCLEX prep courses to increase their likelihood of success.
Registered Nurse State License Application and Renewal
Each state in the U.S. has a unique registered nurse licensing application process. The state board of nursing will want proof of an NCLEX passing result and a diploma from an accredited nursing program. Most states require criminal background checks and fingerprinting, and some may want to see university transcripts.
In most states, RNs must renew their license every two years after initial licensure. Each state has varying requirements for continuing education and other documentation needed for renewal. The National Council of State Boards of Nursing offers a wealth of information on registered nurse licensing requirements by state.
Specialty Certification
Some correctional nurse positions require certifications like Basic Life Support (BLS), Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS), and Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS). Additionally, correctional nurses may choose to pursue specialty certifications through the National Commission on Correctional Healthcare or the American Correctional Association, including:
Where Do Correctional Nurses Work?
Correctional nurses can find employment in a wide range of organizations. These may include:
- Group homes
- Halfway houses
- Hospital prison units
- Juvenile detention facilities
- Prisons
FAQs: How to Become a Correctional Nurse
1. What education is needed to become a correctional nurse?
Correctional nurses must graduate with a nursing degree from an accredited college or university. They can pursue a two-year Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) or a four-year Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN).
2. How many years does it take to become a correctional nurse?
The time it takes to become a correctional nurse depends on which degree one pursues, but may take anywhere from two to four years for an undergraduate degree, plus several years of bedside experience.
3. What are the steps to become a correctional nurse?
To become a correctional nurse, candidates must apply to and graduate from an accredited nursing school, pass the NCLEX-RN, and apply for and receive a nursing license in their state. After these steps, they may apply to correctional nurse positions and pursue specialty certification and higher education.
4. How much do correctional nurses make an hour?
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), correctional nurses earn an average of $45.42 per hour, which equals about $94,480 annually. Nurses with an advanced degree will be able to earn more.
