Registered Nurse RN

The Department of Corrections is focused on public safety through the custody and supervision of those in our care. Corrections employees have the opportunity to positively impact the lives of others through careers in a variety of fields. Using evidence-based approaches, employees implement lasting change with a positive impact for the people of Wisconsin.

The Department of Corrections is currently recruiting to fill a Registered Nurse (Nurse Clinician 3) 90% position, located at Columbia Correctional Institution in Portage, WI.

Position Summary

This position is responsible for providing advanced skilled nursing care to incarcerated adults in the state correctional facilities and provides independent management of direct cares to incarcerated adult patients who have unique complex health conditions which are acute, long-term and/or terminal.

In addition to direct healthcare provision responsibilities, this position will assist with staff assignment scheduling and appropriate delegation to nursing staff to meet the needs of the assigned patients or patient population.Additionally, this position is expected to develop and/or participate in educational programs for staff and patients about safe completion of ADL’s, chronic disease management, treatment plans, and nursing and medical diagnoses, along with evaluating quality assurance of standards of care within the unit.This position will serve as a consultant to uniformed and non-uniformed staff as indicated.

Salary Information

This position is in pay schedule and range 11-01 with a starting pay of $47.04/hour - $53.92/hour. Pay will be set in accordance with the Compensation Plan and Wisconsin Administrative Code in effect at the time of hire.A 12-month probationary period is required.
Candidates with no prior permanent employment with the State of Wisconsin in the past 5 years may be eligible to accept a sign‑on bonus of $3,000. The sign‑on bonus will be paid in two installments: $1500 on the first paycheck and $1500 with the paycheck for the pay period in which the employee attains permanent status (usually 1 year). (UW System employment isn’t disqualifying.) To receive the bonus, a candidate must sign an agreement indicating they will remain in the occupational area for one year. If the candidate leaves prior to completing the one year, they may be required to reimburse the initial payment.

In addition to meaningful and rewarding work, we offer a competitive benefits package featuring:

• Substantial leave time including at least 3.5 weeks of vacation to start, 9 paid holidays, and ample accrued sick time that rolls over each year.
• Insurance: Excellent and affordable health, dental, vision, and life insurance.
• An exceptional pension plan including a lifetime retirement payment.
• The Well Wisconsin Program helps participants set health and well‑being goals, track progress, stay motivated, and earn incentives.
• Our Employee Assistance Program offers employees and their immediate family a variety of tools, resources, and professional consultation services to support their health, goals, and overall well‑being.

NOTE: Part‑time employees will receive some of the benefits listed above on a prorated basis.

Applicants must be legally entitled to work in the United States (i.e., a citizen or national of the U.S., a lawful permanent resident, an alien authorized to work in the U.S. without DOC sponsorship) at the time of application. The Department of Corrections will conduct criminal background checks on applicants prior to selection to determine whether the circumstances of any conviction may be related to the job being filled. Upon hire, all new DOC employees are subject to fingerprinting.

The Department of Corrections may conduct pre‑employment drug screens. Any applicant who is offered employment in a position which requires a pre‑employment drug screen must pass the screen as a contingency to employment.
This position has physical requirements related to performing the job duties that involve being able to stand, sit, and move freely. This role will reposition patients, manipulate fine objects, and lift freely up to 40 lbs. to perform necessary tasks, and may need to occasionally climb stairs.
NOTE: Schedule will be day shift, no holidays or weekends.

Qualifications

Special Requirement: Must possess and maintain an active unrestricted Registered Nurse license in Wisconsin or another state participating in the Nurse Licensure Compact.
Employees must maintain certification in BLS by the American Heart Association and training in the use of the AED and have the ability to perform BLS and/or first aid to prevent loss of life and relieve suffering until appropriate care arrives.

In addition to the special requirement, minimally qualified applicants will have experience:

• Treating patient conditions with appropriate utilization of nursing protocols
• Developing, refining, and revising a patient plan of care utilizing continuous patient assessment and evaluation
• Providing healthcare education to patients and staff

The State of Wisconsin is an Equal Opportunity and affirmative action employer seeking a diverse and talented workforce.

We provide reasonable accommodations to applicants and employees with disabilities.

The State of Wisconsin offers a special program for qualified veterans with a 30% or greater service‑connected disability.

If you are a qualified veteran, please visit the Veterans Employment page for application instructions to be considered for the Veterans Non‑Competitive Appointment program.

Deadline to Apply

Online applications and materials must be submitted by 11:59pm on September 17th, 2026.