Institutional Nurse

About the Position

The Riverside University Health System – Correctional Health is seeking to fill institutional nurse vacancies (regular, full‑time positions only) throughout Riverside County. Under direction, and in accordance with the State of California Nurse Practice Act, the nurse provides professional nursing care to individuals detained at a Riverside County Sheriff/Probation confinement or correctional facility; administers treatment and medications as directed; assists physicians and carries out their orders;

performs other related duties as required. All candidates must pass a Sheriff's Background check.

• A current and valid license to practice as a Registered Nurse in the State of California.
• A current and valid Basic Life Support (BLS) certification issued by the American Heart Association.

• All institutional nurses receive a $1.00 differential, regardless of location.
• Banning: $2.00 per hour
• Murrieta: $1.00 per hour
• Riverside: $1.00 per hour
• Indio: $4.00 per hour
• Evening/Night shift differential – $2.50‑$5.00 per hour

• 7/12s, bi‑weekly

RUHS Correctional Health partners with the Riverside County Sheriff’s Department to provide essential healthcare and behavioral health services across five county correctional facilities. Nationally accredited by the National Commission on Correctional Health Care (NCCHC), the department upholds a strong commitment to delivering high‑quality, compassionate care. If you are passionate about making a difference in correctional health and helping individuals on their path to recovery and reintegration, RUHS Correctional Health is the place for you.

• Plan and provide professional nursing care to juveniles or adults in a correctional facility, including administration of medication and treatments, disease prevention, and restorative measures ordered by a physician; assist physicians and other healthcare providers with physical examinations; respond to patient court orders as appropriate; implement standardized nursing protocols as directed; monitor inmates’ health status.
• Make routine medical observations daily and refer patients to a physician as necessary.
• Evaluate effectiveness of nursing care and treatment regimen; collaborate with physicians and other healthcare providers; refer adult and juvenile inmates to appropriate healthcare providers; monitor work areas for safety and cleanliness.
• Initiate treatment in medical emergencies; conduct quality control audits and perform minor wound care.
• Assist physicians and other healthcare providers in conducting sick calls and in the examination and treatment of patients; make routine medical observations on a daily basis.
• Chart treatment of patients, record and report significant changes in condition and general progress of patients; maintain patient records and medical data.
• Advise staff and counsel patients and their families regarding medical problems and proper healthcare methods; may instruct institutional staff in emergency first aid techniques.
• May determine restrictions on physical activities of patients according to healthcare standards established by the State of California.

• Education
  :
  Successful completion of the education required by the State of California to obtain a valid license and certification.
• Experience
  :
  Equivalent to two years of full‑time experience as a registered nurse in an acute care hospital, healthcare agency, or correctional healthcare facility. Experience gained as an interim permit nurse may be credited. A bachelor’s degree or national certification in a nursing specialty may substitute for one year of required experience.
• Knowledge
  :
  Principles, techniques, and procedures used in professional nursing; medical terminology; hospital and clinic routine; the uses and effects of medicines and narcotics.
• Ability
  :
  Perform the entire range of professional nursing duties and responsibilities; plan and carry out a program of nursing care for detainees; work under limited medical supervision; prepare and maintain concise and complete records and reports; establish and maintain effective…