Corrections Nurse

Boulder County; Boulder (CO); On-site; USD 80,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

Boulder County is seeking dedicated Corrections Nurses to provide critical health care in a correctional facility. Candidates must hold a valid nursing license in Colorado and demonstrate strong assessment and interpersonal skills. This role involves patient care in a dynamic environment, requiring quick thinking and adherence to correctional standards.

Benefits

$100 bonus for covering an open shift

Specialty pay for all shifts

Qualifications

• Experience in medical assessments.
• Ability to pass drug screen and background check.
• Experience with mental health interventions is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Responsible for 24-hour health care of inmates.
• Implement medical protocols and communicate health issues.
• Administer medications and document in health records.

Skills

Organized with detailed assessment skills

Critical thinking ability

Good interpersonal skills

Knowledge of correctional health care standards

Understanding of security issues

Education

Current license as a Registered Nurse or Licensed Practical Nurse in Colorado

Job description

Corrections Nurse

Registered Nurse: Jail Division

2025 Hiring pay: $38.40 - $46.84

2025 Pay Range: $38.40 - $55.28

2025 Specialty Pay: $7/hour extra for all shifts

Licensed Practical Nurse: Jail Division

Hiring pay: $25.96 - $31.67

Pay Range: $25.96 - $37.38

2025 Specialty Pay: $5/hour extra for all shifts

Differentials:

• Night Shift - $5-6/hour (dependent on day)
• Weekends - Add $2/hr. per shift
• $100 bonus for covering an open shift

Hours of work may vary and may include nights, weekends, and holidays. Our Corrections Nurse positions are a variable percentage of FTE (benefitted) or hourly (not benefitted), depending on availability. This is an extremely clean and safe environment.

All positions are direct employees of the Boulder County Sheriff’s Office, not contracted. No infirmary.

The Corrections Nurse is responsible for 24-hour health care of inmates, including assessment, care implementation, coordination with corrections staff, interfacing with the Health Care Authority, and facilitating care with community agencies and physicians.

Boulder County is a family-friendly workplace dedicated to fostering a diverse, inclusive, and respectful environment. We prohibit unlawful discrimination based on race, color, religion, gender, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, socio-economic status, sexual orientation, genetic information, or any other protected status. Employees must reside in Colorado as of the first day of work.

1. Obtain health history and assess for illness or injury on each inmate.
2. Communicate with Classifications regarding housing assignment.
3. Implement medical protocols as appropriate.
4. Communicate with Medical Providers regarding health issues, treatments, and medications.
5. Administer medications accurately.
6. Obtain prior medical records when indicated.
7. Assess mental health status of inmates.
8. Implement mental health policies as appropriate.
9. Coordinate with mental health personnel for psychiatric interventions.
10. Implement and monitor withdrawal protocols.
11. Supervise isolation techniques and monitor inmates with communicable diseases.
12. Respond to medical situations within the jail.
13. Assist during Doctor Rounds.
14. Coordinate appointments and transfers.
15. Perform medical treatments and obtain laboratory specimens.
16. Document in health records.
17. Participate in staff meetings.
18. Train new personnel.

Education and Experience:

Must have a current license as a Registered Nurse or Licensed Practical Nurse in Colorado with experience in medical assessments. Must pass polygraph, drug screen, and background check. Use of marijuana is prohibited during employment, regardless of legal status.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Organized with detailed assessment skills.
• Critical thinking ability.
• Good interpersonal skills.
• Knowledge of correctional health care standards and community nursing care.
• Understanding of security issues in detention health care.
• Experience with mental health and substance abuse interventions is preferred.

Functional Requirements:

1. Vision: Correctable to 20/20, with peripheral vision requirements.
2. Hearing: Must pass audiometric testing; ability to listen to multiple inputs.
3. Sense of Smell: Intact for detecting chemicals or drugs.
4. Speech: Clear and understandable English.
5. Body Movement: Mobility and flexibility to perform job functions, including walking, climbing, reaching, and standing for long periods.
6. Hand and Arms: Dexterity for medical procedures, documentation, and opening doors.
7. Lifting: Ability to lift supplies and assist inmates as needed.