If you’re a nurse looking for a unique and challenging career path, you may want to consider corrections travel nursing. This field combines the expertise of nursing with the demands of correctional facilities to provide care to incarcerated individuals in need. In this article, we’ll explore what corrections travel nursing is, the qualifications needed to become a corrections travel nurse, and the benefits of pursuing this career.
What is Corrections Travel Nursing?
Corrections travel nursing is a specialized field of nursing in which nurses provide medical care to incarcerated individuals in various correctional facilities such as prisons and juvenile detention centers. This type of nursing requires specialized training and experience in working with individuals who are often dealing with complex medical issues and mental health concerns.
Travel nurses are hired by staffing agencies that provide temporary nursing staff to correctional facilities across the country. These nurses can work in different types of correctional settings, including state prisons, federal prisons, juvenile detention centers, and county jails.
Qualifications Needed to Become a Corrections Travel Nurse
To become a corrections travel nurse, you must have an active nursing license in the state where you wish to practice. You’ll also need to have at least two years of experience working as a registered nurse, preferably in an emergency department or critical care setting. Other qualifications may include:
- Experience working with individuals with behavioral health issues
- Knowledge of correctional health care policies and procedures
- Ability to pass a background check and drug screening
- Willingness to work in high-stress and potentially dangerous environments
Additionally, some staffing agencies may require a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree or higher, as well as certification in Basic Life Support (BLS) and Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS).
Benefits of Pursuing a Career in Corrections Travel Nursing
There are many benefits to pursuing a career in corrections travel nursing. Some of these benefits include:
- The opportunity to travel and work in different parts of the country
- Competitive pay and benefits packages
- Opportunities for professional growth and development
- The ability to make a difference in the lives of underserved populations
- Flexible scheduling options
However, it’s important to note that corrections travel nursing is not for everyone. Working in a correctional facility can be stressful and dangerous, and nurses must be prepared to work with individuals who have complex medical and behavioral health needs.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. What is the role of a corrections travel nurse?
A corrections travel nurse provides medical care to incarcerated individuals in various correctional facilities such as prisons and juvenile detention centers. This type of nursing requires specialized training and experience in working with individuals who are often dealing with complex medical issues and mental health concerns.
2. How do I become a corrections travel nurse?
To become a corrections travel nurse, you must have an active nursing license in the state where you wish to practice. You’ll also need to have at least two years of experience working as a registered nurse, preferably in an emergency department or critical care setting. Other qualifications may include experience working with individuals with behavioral health issues, knowledge of correctional health care policies and procedures, and the ability to pass a background check and drug screening.
3. What are the benefits of pursuing a career in corrections travel nursing?
Some benefits of pursuing a career in corrections travel nursing include the opportunity to travel and work in different parts of the country, competitive pay and benefits packages, opportunities for professional growth and development, the ability to make a difference in the lives of underserved populations, and flexible scheduling options.