Registered Nurse - SCI Mercer

Commonwealth of Pennsylvania; Mercer (PA); On-site; USD 90,000 - 112,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Retirement benefits

Paid time off

Job summary

Commonwealth of Pennsylvania’s Department of Corrections seeks a dedicated Registered Nurse for the State Correctional Institution at Mercer. The role provides daily nursing care to offenders, with assessments, medications, education, and health operations in a secure setting.

This Civil Service, full-time position offers stable benefits, 40-hour weeks, shift rotations, and opportunities for professional growth in a respected state agency.

Qualifications

• Active authorization to practice as a Registered Nurse in Pennsylvania.
• In-state licensure required within one year if holding a temporary permit.
• PA residency waiver for this title.

Responsibilities

• Perform health assessments and diagnose nursing needs.
• Administer medications, monitor responses and ensure safety.
• Deliver treatments and support daily living needs for inmates.
• Maintain and update electronic health records and documentation.
• Educate staff and offenders on health practices and safety.

Skills

Nursing

Patient care

Team collaboration

Education

RN license (PA)

Job description

Salary

$89,882.00 - $111,956.00 Annually

Location

Mercer County, PA

Job Type

Civil Service Permanent Full-Time

Job Number

CS-2026-60620-30420

Department

Department of Corrections

Division

CR MER Med

Opening Date

10/14/2026

Closing Date

10/28/2026 11:59 PM Eastern

Job Code

30420

Position Number

Multiple positions may be filled from this posting.

Union

SEIU - Healthcare PA

Bargaining Unit

P4

Pay Group

ST08

Bureau / Division Code

00114830

Bureau / Division

State Correctional Institution at Mercer

Worksite Address

801 Butler Pike

City

Mercer, Pennsylvania

Zip Code

16137

Contact Name

Maria Traficante

THE POSITION

Start the next chapter of your Nursing Career! The Pennsylvania Department of Corrections is actively seeking devoted and passionate Registered Nurses. As a Corrections' Nurse, you will enjoy working with experienced auxiliary staff and will have excellent managerial support. At the Department of Corrections, we work together as a dedicated team where collaboration and communication are integral.

We offer an excellent compensation package, including competitive income, generous paid time off, health insurance, and an excellent retirement package.

We want to hear from you, so apply today!

Watch this video to see what the PA DOC has to offer you!

DESCRIPTION OF WORK

This position provides daily nursing care for offenders and supports safe and effective health operations within the institution. You will handle assessments, treatments, medication support, and health education that help maintain a stable and healthy environment.

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

• Health Assessments: Conduct physical assessments, identify concerns, and make nursing diagnoses that guide proper care
• Medication Support: Administer medications, monitor compliance, and observe how well treatments are working
• Treatment Delivery: Provide ordered treatments, assist with examinations, and support daily living needs for assigned individuals
• Record Keeping: Update electronic health records, review charts, and prepare documentation for transfers or releases
• Education and Guidance: Teach health practices to staff and offenders and reinforce information that supports safe behavior
• Operational Compliance: Maintain readiness for inspections and follow all required infection control and quality procedures

If you have the required medical experience as indicated below and wish to explore a rewarding career that offers the opportunity to share your skills while earning a great salary, apply today!

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 three work shifts that cover the facility 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year. These shifts include 1st shift (6:00 AM to 2:30 PM), 2nd shift (2:00 PM to 10:30 PM), and 3rd shift (10:00 PM to 6:30 AM).
  • Alternative work schedules may be available, depending on operational needs.
  • Work hours TO BE DETERMINED
• This position is eligible for full retirement benefits at age 50 or 55.
• Telework: You will not have the option to telework in this position.
• Salary: 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.

REQUIRED EXPERIENCE, TRAINING & ELIGIBILITY

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.
• 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.
• Successful completion of basic training in Elizabethtown, PA is required.
• 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.

Veterans

• Pennsylvania law (51 Pa. C.S. *7103) provides employment preference for qualified veterans for appointment to many state and local government jobs. To learn more about employment preferences for veterans, go to www.pa.gov/agencies/employment/how-to-apply.html and click on Veterans.

Telecommunications Relay Service (TRS)

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

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.