Institution Registered Nurse (Pendleton)

Initial posting date: 08/11/2026. Application deadline: 08/31/2026.

About the Role

The Oregon Department of Corrections (ODOC) is seeking Registered Nurses with a passion for caring for marginalized and underserved incarcerated individuals. The ODOC patient population is disproportionately affected by mental health needs, substance abuse needs, and many socioeconomic stressors. Nursing staff are critical to the provision of evidence-based care to address these needs. We are seeking knowledgeable, motivated, empathetic, and passionate Registered Nurses to deliver patient-centered health care services, comprehensive patient health education, and serve as a health care advocate for our patients.

This position is located at Eastern Oregon Correctional Institution in Pendleton, Oregon. Working in Pendleton provides a unique blend of a low cost of living (9% below the national average), a great rural small city, and access to beautiful outdoor activities like hiking and skiing.

Responsibilities

• Direct Patient Care: Provide nursing care including patient assessment, nursing diagnosis, care planning, medication administration, laboratory/medical procedures, and treatment provision in accordance with ODOC policies, procedures, protocols, provider orders, and evidence-based standards of care.
• Coordination of Care: Schedule on-site and community-based services to ensure optimal patient health outcomes.
• Communication: Provide comprehensive patient education and serve as a resource for non-medical staff regarding health care in the correctional setting. Advocate for patient care needs to ensure timely and appropriate care.
• Documentation: Maintain accurate, legible, and complete records of patient care, including requests for medical attention, objective data, treatment provided, evaluation of treatment effectiveness, and patient education.
• Administrative: Coordinate nursing care activities with other departments. Assume responsibility for unit operations in the absence of management staff. Monitor medical supplies, ensuring appropriate quantities, accurate accounting, and secure storage, including narcotic, needle, and syringe counts.

Primary tasks include treating sickness, running lines, vaccinations, diabetic care, daily ailments, post-op care, and end-of-life care. This role offers professional autonomy and the opportunity to work with great physicians while making a real difference.

Requirements

• Possess a valid Oregon Registered Professional Nurse's license at the time of appointment. Preference given to candidates with an unencumbered license.
• Ability to work independently with little or no supervision.
• Ability to work any or all days of the week, including weekends, and any shift (day, swing, graveyard).
• Ability to work in a correctional setting with contact with adults in custody, who may become violent.
• Ability to perform mandatory double shifts occasionally.
• Physical ability to walk or stand for long periods, climb stairs, and lift heavy objects. May require limited exertion resulting from patient care.
• Ability to pass a Criminal Justice Information Systems (CJIS) fingerprint-based background check and maintain CJIS eligibility. Note: Some felony convictions may disqualify you for this position.
• Must comply with the Federal Prison Rape Elimination Act (PREA), which prohibits hiring individuals with certain convictions for roles with direct contact with residents.

Qualifications

General Knowledge

• Professional principles, practices, and theory of nursing practice.
• Laws, rules, and regulations governing nursing practice.
• Medical terminology and pharmacology management.
• Medical ethics and counseling/intervention techniques.
• Disease processes and treatment methods.
• Principles and procedures of infection control and communicable disease management.
• Operating personal computers.

Desired Attributes

• Excellent oral and written communication skills.
• Social justice oriented and health equity focused.
• Embraces teamwork with a positive mindset.
• Ability to perform in a high-stress environment.
• Advocate for harm reduction.

Pay

Salary range: $8,443 - $11,932 per month for non-PERS qualifying applicants. PERS qualifying applicants may be eligible for an adjusted range reflecting an additional 6.95%.

Additional shift differentials:

• Swing shift: +$3.92/hour
• Night shift: +$5/hour
• Weekend shift: +$5/hour

Additional applicable incentives:

• 5% for bilingual skills
• 4.75% for BSN
• 9.5% for MSN
• 5% for Lead Worker role

Benefits

The State of Oregon provides a generous benefit package, including:

• Family health, vision, and dental insurance.
• Vacation, sick leave, and 11 paid holidays.
• 21 days paid military leave for National Guard and Reserve components.
• Optional short- and long-term disability.
• Term life insurance.
• Fully paid retirement program through the Public Employees Retirement System (PERS).
• Oregon Saving Growth Plan (457 deferred compensation).
• Flexible spending accounts for health and childcare.

This position is represented by the American Federation of State, County, and Municipal Employees (AFSCME) and may be eligible for Police & Fire (P&F) benefits through PERS, as defined by statute.

Working Conditions

• Exposure to chemicals, radiation, communicable diseases, and other hazards inherent in a health care and correctional setting.
• May require occasional local or in-state travel for training or meetings.

About the Department

The Oregon Department of Corrections is responsible for over 12,000 adults in custody in 12 state prisons throughout Oregon. It advises and evaluates counties regarding the administration of probation and parole programs, supervising more than 24,000 offenders in Oregon communities. The mission is to protect communities, promote accountability, and transform lives.

The department is committed to creating an organization that reflects the diversity of the population served and ensures all employees thrive in a culture of safety, trust, and belonging. We strive to be an anti-racist corrections system, welcoming, inclusive, and respectful of all people, free of discrimination, harassment, and retaliation.