Registered Nurse - SCI Forest

Commonwealth of Pennsylvania; Clinton Township (PA); On-site; USD 81,000 - 99,000; Full time

Job summary

The Commonwealth of Pennsylvania's Department of Corrections seeks a Registered Nurse to provide direct nursing care at SCI Forest, performing medications administration, patient assessments, and health education for inmates in a secure facility.

This full-time role involves varied shifts, emergency response, documentation, infection control, and ongoing professional development, with mandatory PA nursing licensure and potential salary steps within the state system.

Qualifications

• Active authorization to practice as a Registered Nurse in Pennsylvania.
• Possess PA RN license or obtain license within one year if on temporary permit.
• PA residency waiver is currently in effect for this title.
• Able to perform essential job functions in a correctional setting.

Responsibilities

• Provide direct nursing care, administer medications, and educate patients.
• Support medical evaluations and clinical practice within a correctional facility.
• Update medical records and maintain documentation of treatments.
• Sterilize instruments, manage supplies, and keep treatment areas stocked.
• Attend required training and stay updated on policies and procedures.

Skills

Nursing care

Medication administration

Medical evaluations

Record management

Infection control

Emergency treatment

Education

Active PA RN license

Basic training in Elizabethtown, PA

Job description

Are you motivated to deliver strong, reliable nursing care in a unique and challenging setting? As a Registered Nurse with the Department of Corrections (DOC), you will support patients with a wide range of health concerns at the State Correctional Institution (SCI) at Forest. This role gives you the opportunity to grow your skills, contribute to a dedicated team, and work toward better patient outcomes. Your commitment to professionalism and compassion will make a meaningful difference every day.

This position focuses on delivering direct nursing care, supporting medical evaluations, and maintaining high standards of clinical practice within a correctional facility.

As a Registered Nurse - SCI Forest, you will perform the following duties:

• Nursing Care: Carry out assigned care plans, administer medications, assist with examinations, and provide health education
• Medical Response: Assess patient needs, deliver emergency treatment, and follow infection control procedures
• Record Management: Update medical records, prepare reports, and maintain controlled substance documentation
• Supply Maintenance: Sterilize instruments, track supplies, and keep treatment areas stocked
• Professional Development: Attend required training and stay informed on policy and procedure updates

Interested in learning more? Additional details regarding the duties of this position may be found in the position description.

Work Hours and Additional Information

• Full-time employment, 40-hour work week.
• The Department of Corrections is staffed by multiple shifts that cover the facility 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year.
  • 6:00 AM - 6:30 PM
  • 6:00 PM - 6:30 AM
  • 10:00 AM - 10:30 PM
  • 6:00 AM - 2:30 PM
  • 2:00 PM - 10:30 PM
  • 10:00 PM - 6:30 AM
• Your work schedule is to be determined. Alternative work schedules may be available, depending on operational needs.
• Telework: You will not have the option to telework in this position.
• Please Note: Selected candidates who are new to employment within the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania will begin employment at the starting annual salary of $89,882.00 (before taxes).
• You will receive further communication regarding this position via email. Please check your email, including spam folders, for these notices.

QUALIFICATIONS

Necessary Special Requirements:

• This position requires active authorization to practice as a Registered Nurse in Pennsylvania.
• All employees possessing an active temporary practice permit must obtain licensure as a Registered Nurse within the one (1) year period defined by the Pennsylvania State Board of Nursing.

Other Requirements:

• PA residency requirement is currently waived for this title.
• Successful completion of basic training in Elizabethtown, PA is required.
• If you are within 60 days of graduating from a school of nursing approved by the State Board of Nursing, you are eligible to apply for this job posting. At the time of appointment to a position, you must show proof of possession of a current, valid PA temporary practice permit or PA Registered Nurse license.
• You must be able to perform essential job functions.

Legal Requirements:

• You must pass a background investigation and meet Criminal Justice Information Services (CJIS) compliance requirements.

Telecommunications Relay Service (TRS)

• 711 (hearing and speech disabilities or other individuals).

If you are contacted for an interview and need accommodations due to a disability, please discuss your request for accommodations with the interviewer in advance of your interview date.

The Commonwealth is an equal employment opportunity employer and is committed to a diverse workforce. The Commonwealth values inclusion as we seek to recruit, develop, and retain the most qualified people to serve the citizens of Pennsylvania. The Commonwealth does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religious creed, ancestry, union membership, age, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, AIDS or HIV status, disability, or any other categories protected by applicable federal or state law. All diverse candidates are encouraged to apply.

• Completing the application, including all supplemental questions, serves as your exam for this position. No additional exam is required at a test center (also referred to as a written exam).
• Your score is based on the detailed information you provide on your application and in response to the supplemental questions.
• Your score is valid for this specific posting only.
• You must provide complete and accurate information or:
  • your score may be lower than deserved.
  • you may be disqualified.
• You may only apply/test once for this posting.
• Your results will be provided via email.