Work correctional travel assignments within driving distance of Los Angeles. Many California state prisons are located 1–4 hours from LA, letting you explore Southern California while earning premium correctional pay.
Quick Answer
Travel nurses near Los Angeles can work at 3 correctional facility clusters within 175 miles. Pay ranges from $3,050 to $3,200 per week.
| Facility | City | Drive | Avg Pay | Roles |
|---|---|---|---|---|
California State Prison, Los Angeles County (LAC) | Lancaster | 1 hr 15 min | $3,200/wk | RN, LVN |
Ironwood State Prison / Chuckawalla Valley | Blythe | 2 hr 45 min | $3,050/wk | RN, LVN, CNA |
California State Prison, Corcoran | Corcoran | 2 hr 45 min | $3,100/wk | RN, LVN |
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.
Lancaster is about 70 miles north of Los Angeles, approximately a 1 hour 15 minute drive. California State Prison, LA County (LAC) is located in Lancaster.
California is not a compact state, so you need a California RN license. CatSol assists with the licensing process and reimburses associated fees.
Travel nurses at California prisons near Los Angeles typically earn $2,800–$3,800 per week depending on specialty and facility. Packages include housing stipend, M&I per diem, and travel reimbursement.
Most correctional assignments run 13 weeks with extension options. Many nurses extend multiple times at the same facility.
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