The Ada County Jail is like a self-contained city. We have law enforcement, government (admin staff), food service, and a 24/7 licensed health care facility. Having a robust and effective Health Services Unit is a key component for what makes the Ada County Jail renowned throughout the U.S. for how we manage and care for our population.
Our staff of 40 healthcare and support professionals works tirelessly to provide the best possible care for a population that may not have access to it otherwise — in a safe and secure setting. Our medical staff makes a difference every day. If you are in the health care/nursing field and that philosophy sounds good, we want to hear from you.
Check out the YouTube video on what our nursing staff says about working in the jail.
Hiring Medical Staff
Interviews for Registered Nurse and Licensed Practical Nurse to occur most frequently, but we also employ Physician Assistants, Nurse Practitioners, Certified Nursing Assistants, Medical Assistants, Social Workers (LMSW or LCSW), and Health Services Administrative Technicians.
- To find out more about Hiring Standards, check out Careers
- For information about the hiring process, check out Careers/Hiring-Process
- Jail tours are generally offered to successful candidates after the oral board interview. The tours provide a first-hand experience of what working in the jail is like. Applicants are encouraged to ask questions and meet jail staff during the tour, which can last from 45-to-60 minutes.
Starting Nurse Wages
Registered Nurse = $31.56 – $36.90/hour, (based on degree type and experience; 10% differential for graveyard shift)
Licensed Practical Nurse = $22.06 – $24.99/hour, DOE (10% differential for graveyard shift)
Our competency plan allows for further growth with Registered Nurses earning up to $44.92/hour and Licensed Practical Nurses earning up to $29.78/hour.
Nurse Schedules
Nurses work three 12-hour shifts per week. There are two shifts: day shift is 6:00am-6:00pm and graveyard shift is 6:00pm-6:00am. A shift pick for days/graveyard occurs every six months. Every two months, you have the opportunity to rotate which days you have off. Applicants must be willing to work all shifts (including weekends, days, nights, holidays, etc.).
Nurse Orientation/Training
Nurses have a three-month new hire orientation/training program when hired. Precepted orientation occurs in all areas of the unit (clinic, medication room, and health services unit).
Why Work Here?
- Safe environment (nursing staff are never alone; deputies are always present)
- Autonomy/independence, while also working with a team
- Variety of nursing skills are used every day (think ER, urgent care, pharmacy, acute care, and mental health opportunities all wrapped in one)
- Respected by inmates & staff alike
- Unique opportunity to serve the community
- Competitive pay
- Flexible schedule
- 3 month orientation for new hires
- Meals available at no cost during shift
- Overtime opportunities
- Yearly uniform allowance (4 sets of scrubs)
- Paid continuing education opportunities (on-site, off-site, conferences, etc.)
- Paid licensure renewals (including CPR certification)
- Monthly potlucks & team building
- Great County benefits package (including PERSI retirement)