Are you seeking a nursing role where your skills make a direct and meaningful difference as a Registered PRN Nurse with the Department of Corrections? At the State Correctional Institution (SCI) at Smithfield, you can support the health and safety of individuals with diverse medical and behavioral needs. This position allows you to practice essential nursing skills while contributing to a secure and respectful environment. Become part of a dedicated team that values professionalism, compassion, and commitment to quality care.
Watch this video to see what the PA DOC has to offer you!
This position provides key nursing care and treatment for individuals with medical, behavioral, or developmental needs in a correctional setting. The work ensures that each patient receives safe, accurate, and consistent health services.
As a Registered PRN Nurse, you will perform the following duties:
- Nursing Care: Implement care plans by checking vital signs, administering medications, and performing treatments
- Health Support: Assist clinicians during exams, clinics, tests, immunizations, and screenings
- Emergency Response: Administer first aid, CPR, or AED procedures and refer patients for advanced care when needed
- Record Management: Document information, maintain medical records, and complete required reports
- Supply Control: Sterilize instruments, manage inventory, and maintain stocked treatment areas
- Professional Development: Participate in training, maintain required skills, and follow policy updates
Interested in learning more? Additional details regarding this position can be found in the position description.
Work Schedule and Additional Information:
- Per Diem employment, up to 48 hours within a two-week pay period
- Per Diem employees will be required to work all shifts as needed. 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).
- The PRN Nurse works an on-call intermittent basis in a State Correctional Institution.
- 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.
- Please Note: Selected candidates who are new to employment within the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania will begin employment at the starting hourly salary of $51.53.
- You will receive further communication regarding this position via email. Check your email, including spam/junk folders, for these notices.
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.
How to Apply:
- Resumes, cover letters, and similar documents will not be reviewed, and the information contained therein will not be considered for the purposes of determining your eligibility for the position. Information to support your eligibility for the position must be provided on the application (i.e., relevant, detailed experience/education).
- If you are claiming education in your answers to the supplemental application questions, you must attach a copy of your college transcripts for your claim to be accepted toward meeting the minimum requirements. Unofficial transcripts are acceptable.
- Your application must be submitted by the posting closing date. Late applications and other required materials will not be accepted.
- Failure to comply with the above application requirements may eliminate you from consideration for this position.
- All application materials and interview responses must reflect the applicant’s own experience, qualifications, and work. Applicants may use generative AI tools for preparation purposes only. Use of AI to misrepresent or falsify information, or to assist during interviews, is not permitted. Review the Guidance for Generative AI Tools & Job Seekers for additional information.
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).
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.

