Specialty: Correctional Travel Nursing

Correctional Travel Nursing Jobs

High-paying contract positions at California and Texas state correctional facilities. CatSol specializes in CDCR and TDCJ placements.

Avg Weekly Pay$2,600–$4,000
Contract Length13 weeks+
Primary MarketsCalifornia · Texas · New Mexico

Quick Answer

Correctional travel nurses earn $2,600–$4,000 per week at state prison facilities. CatSol specializes in California CDCR and Texas TDCJ placements, with deep inventory in both states. Most assignments are 13 weeks with extension options.

Primary Correctional Markets

California Hub Cities

California has 246+ correctional nursing openings — 20% of all CatSol jobs. Most positions are at CDCR facilities near these hub metros.

Texas Hub Cities

Texas has 60+ TDCJ correctional nursing openings concentrated around the Huntsville corridor and major metros.

Why Choose Correctional Travel Nursing?

Safer staffing ratios

Correctional facilities follow structured nurse-to-patient ratios, unlike many hospital settings.

Predictable schedules

12-hour shifts, 3 days per week. Minimal mandatory overtime compared to acute care.

Premium pay packages

Correctional assignments frequently pay more than comparable hospital positions.

Long contracts

13-week contracts with frequent extension opportunities. Less frequent relocation.

Varied clinical experience

Correctional nursing covers chronic care, urgent care, psych, and intake screenings.

High job security

Government-operated facilities have consistent staffing demand regardless of economic cycles.

Talk to a Correctional Staffing Specialist

CatSol recruiters specialize in CDCR and TDCJ placements. We handle credentialing, background checks, and the full onboarding process.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is correctional travel nursing?

Correctional travel nursing involves working as a contract nurse at a jail, prison, or detention facility. Travel nurses fill temporary staffing needs at state and federal correctional facilities, typically on 13-week contracts.

How much do correctional travel nurses make?

Correctional travel nurses typically earn $2,600–$3,900 per week depending on state, location, and specialty. Pay packages include a taxable hourly rate plus tax-free housing and meals & incidentals stipends.

Do I need special certifications for correctional nursing?

A current RN, LVN, or CNA license in the assignment state is required. Some facilities require BLS/CPR. Prior correctional experience is preferred but not always required — med-surg, psych, or long-term care backgrounds translate well.

Is correctional nursing safe?

Yes. Nurses work in secured medical units with controlled access. Security staff are present at all times. CDCR and TDCJ provide mandatory orientation to security protocols before your first shift.

What is the difference between correctional nursing and hospital nursing?

Correctional nursing combines primary care, chronic disease management, urgent care, and psychiatric nursing in a secure environment. Schedules are more predictable, ratios are often better, and pay tends to be higher than comparable hospital positions.

Does CatSol specialize in correctional nursing placements?

Yes. CatSol has deep inventory in California and Texas correctional facilities, with recruiters who specialize in CDCR and TDCJ placements. We handle the full credentialing and background check process.