The Minnesota Department of Corrections seeks a Registered Nurse or RN Senior to provide healthcare in a correctional facility setting. This full-time position is based in Lino Lakes and involves rotating day and evening shifts, including some weekend and holiday assignments.
You will practice in a primary care setting similar to a clinic or transitional care unit, working closely with physicians, mid-level practitioners, and other healthcare providers. Your role ensures individuals receive necessary healthcare while maintaining security within the correctional facility.
Responsibilities
- Provide direct individual health care to incarcerated individuals
- Assist in the medication administration process
- Maintain accurate and thorough medical record keeping
- Provide health education to patients
- Maintain adequate inventory and security of medical supplies and equipment
- Assist with other functions as delegated by the charge nurse or supervisor
- Work collaboratively with the interdisciplinary healthcare team
Clinical Setting
This position operates in a correctional healthcare environment where nursing skills span a broad range of disease processes and patient presentations. You will use comprehensive nursing knowledge while balancing clinical care with security protocols.
Required Qualifications
For Registered Nurse:
- Current, active Minnesota RN license without restrictions, limitations, or conditions
For Registered Nurse Senior:
- Current, active Minnesota RN license without restrictions, limitations, or conditions
- Must be a current or former State of Minnesota employee with permanent or probationary status in the RN Senior job classification and be eligible to transfer, demote, or reinstate to the RN Senior job class
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience as an RN Senior with the State of Minnesota
- Bachelor's degree in Nursing (BSN)
- Hands-on clinical nursing experience providing direct patient care in a hospital, long-term care, or clinic setting
- Nursing experience in a correctional or secured setting
- Experience working in a correctional or secured setting
- Nursing experience in specialized clinical areas such as gender-specific care, geriatric care, juvenile health care, medical/surgical units, or behavioral health
- Effective communication skills to provide accurate and timely information, protect confidentiality, and participate in healthcare team problem-solving
- Strong critical thinking skills and ability to multitask
Physical Requirements
Pre-placement physical components may be required, including tuberculosis screening and/or respirator clearance. The selected finalist must review and sign a Physical Demands Analysis (PDA) for this position.
Additional Requirements
- Criminal history screening, including predatory offender registration and offender associations, will be conducted in accordance with Department of Corrections policy
- Top candidates must pass a criminal history check, including successful completion of all sentencing and/or restitution requirements
- Employment history and reference checks, including incidents of sexual harassment, will be conducted
- Fingerprinting required within the first 30 days of employment
- All applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States. The Minnesota Department of Corrections does not participate in E-Verify and will not sponsor applicants for work visas, including F-1 STEM OPT extensions
Schedule
- Full-time position
- Rotating day and evening shifts
- Weekend and holiday shifts as assigned
- Days of work vary
Compensation
Registered Nurse: $40.59 - $60.06 per hour; $84,751 - $125,405 annually
Registered Nurse Senior: $42.20 - $62.48 per hour; $88,113 - $130,458 annually
Benefits
- Paid vacation and sick leave
- 12 paid holidays each year
- Low-cost medical, dental, vision, and prescription drug plans including fertility care (IVF), diabetes care, and dental and orthodontic coverage
- 6 weeks paid leave for parents of newborn or newly adopted children
- Pension plan providing retirement income after at least three years of service
- Employer-paid life insurance
- Short-term and long-term disability insurance
- Tax-free expense accounts for health, dental, and dependent care
- Employee Assistance Program (EAP) for work/life support including mental health, relationship support, grief and loss, financial, and legal resources
- Daily living and convenience services including chore services, home repair, trip planning, and child/elder care referrals
- Training, classes, and professional development opportunities
- Eligibility for Federal Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program (some positions may qualify)
- Free parking and workout facilities at most locations
Employment Type
- Full-time, unlimited (permanent)
- Classified position
- Telework not eligible
- No travel required
Application
To apply, select "Apply for Job" at the top of the posting. For questions about the application process, contact the Careers Help Desk at 651-259-3637 or email careers@state.mn.us.
For questions about this specific position, contact Katie Wynn at katie.wynn@state.mn.us or 651-361-7304.
Connect 700 Program applicants should apply online and email the Job ID, Working Title, and valid Proof of Eligibility Certificate to Katie Wynn by the closing date.
Position Details
- Job ID: 97960
- Location: Lino Lakes, Minnesota
- Date Posted: October 24, 2026
- Closing Date: October 30, 2026
- Hiring Agency: Minnesota Department of Corrections, Health, Recovery & Programming Division
- Open to all qualified job seekers
- Designated in Connect 700 Program for Applicants with Disabilities