Fresh Listing

Posted: April 8, 2026 (1 day ago)

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Practical Nurse (Licensed Practical Nurse)

Bureau of Prisons/Federal Prison System

Department of Justice

Fresh

Salary

$57,188 - $72,328

per year

Closes

April 22, 2026More DOJ jobs →

Job Description

Summary

This job involves working as a licensed practical nurse in a federal prison in Lexington, Kentucky, where you'll provide everyday medical care to inmates, handle emergencies like injuries from fights, and administer medications while following strict security rules.

It's a good fit for experienced nurses who are comfortable in high-pressure environments, enjoy helping people with mental health needs, and are okay with rotating shifts in a secure facility.

You'll work under supervision but must prioritize prison safety alongside patient care.

Key Requirements

  • Current licensure as a practical or vocational nurse in a U.S. state, territory, or D.C. (or applied for one, with proof required)
  • At least one year of nursing experience equivalent to the next lower grade level, in settings like hospitals, clinics, or nursing homes
  • Practical knowledge of human body structure, sterile techniques, and medical procedures
  • Experience providing pre- and post-operative care, administering treatments/medications, and performing EKGs
  • Ability to observe, record, and report changes in mentally ill patients' behavior, and provide reassurance
  • Assistance in operating room activities, including maintaining sterile conditions and handling equipment
  • Availability for rotating shifts and readiness to prioritize correctional security responsibilities

Full Job Description

Corrections professionals who foster a humane and secure environment and ensure public safety by preparing individuals for successful reentry into our communities.

To be considered for the position, you must meet the following qualification requirements.

Basic Requirements: Licensure: Candidates must be currently licensed to practice as practical or vocational nurses in a State or territory of the United States or the District of Columbia, or must have applied for a license to practice.

Applications of candidates possessing a license must be accompanied by a certified or photostatic copy of the license, a notarized statement attesting to the fact, or a citation of the license number and State issuing it.

AND Additional Requirements: Education/Training: There is no substitution of education for specialized experience.

OR Experience: You must have at least one year of nursing experience equivalent in difficulty and complexity to the next lower grade level.

Qualifying experience includes nursing care work in a hospital, outpatient clinic, nursing home, or other supervised medical, nursing, or patient care facility that provided a practical knowledge of human body structure and sterile techniques and procedures, performing such duties as: Experience providing pre-and post-operative patient care.

Experience administering treatments and/or medications, EKG's, etc., and observing, recording, and reporting changes in behavior of mentally ill patients.

Experience providing reassurance and encouragement to mentally ill patients.

Experience assisting surgeons and registered nurses in operating room activities, including passing instruments, maintaining sterile conditions, and draping and positioning patients.

Experience setting up and operating special medical equipment and apparatus. If applicable, credit will be given for paid and unpaid experience.

To receive proper credit, you must show the actual time (such as the number of hours worked per week) spent in activities.

**Your eligibility for consideration will be based on your responses to the questions in the application** Major Duties:

Provides a range of standard patient care under the guidance of a Supervisory Clinical Nurse. Assists with cardiopulmonary resuscitation.

Provides first aid and assists with providing emergency medical care to inmates injured in fights and/or accidents.

Administers and documents medications accurately according to policy/procedure and physician orders. Assigned to rotating shifts and patient care units.

Along with all other correctional institution employees, incumbent is charged with responsibility for maintaining security of the institution.

The staff correctional responsibilities precede all others required by this position and are performed on a regular and recurring basis.

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Posted on USAJOBS: 4/8/2026 | Added to FreshGovJobs: 4/9/2026

Source: USAJOBS | ID: LEX-2026-0048