California's far North Coast — Eureka, Arcata, and Crescent City — is home to Pelican Bay State Prison, one of the state's highest-security facilities. Remote-location assignments here pay at the top of the CDCR range and are among the hardest to fill, which works in a traveler's favor.
Quick Answer
Travel nurses near Eureka can work at 1 correctional facility cluster within 85 miles. Pay ranges from $3,300 to $3,300 per week.
| Facility | City | Drive | Avg Pay | Roles |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Pelican Bay State Prison (PBSP) | Crescent City | 1 hr 45 min | $3,300/wk | RN, LVN, CNA |
Detailed info on pay, duties, housing, and what to expect at each facility.
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.
CatSol recruiters specialize in CDCR placements. We handle the background check, credentialing, and onboarding.
Pelican Bay State Prison is in Crescent City, about 85 miles north of Eureka — roughly a 1 hour 45 minute drive up Highway 101. It is the northernmost prison in California, near the Oregon border.
Pelican Bay is remote and high-security, so travel RN assignments currently reach about $3,400/week — the top of the CDCR range — because these North Coast contracts are among the hardest to staff. LVN and CNA roles pay less.
The Crescent City / Eureka area offers redwoods, rugged coastline, and a low cost of living. It is remote, so many travelers value the outdoor lifestyle and premium pay over big-city amenities.
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