CNAs working in corrections

[IdianaCNA1993]

does anyone think that there would be a demand for a CNA a a corection setting becuase I am really interested in working in a correctional setting after I get my degree. I am also interested in working in the phsychiatric, emergency, and OB areas also after getting my two year RN.

[KimberlyRN89, BSN, RN]

What exactly would be "on you" if pt dies on your watch?

I assumed the poster was referring to if the pt sucessfully commits suicide, since they mentioned the CNA is supposed to be watching them.

[WannaBNursey, ADN, ASN, RN]

Sorry to revive an old thread, but I recently saw a new listing for a CNA in a correctional facility in my area and I was wondering what a CNA in corrections actually does. It says that you pretty much just take vital signs. What shifts do correctional CNA's work? I really didn't know CNA's were ever hired in corrections.

[KimberlyRN89, BSN, RN]

It depends on what the CNA is "allowed" to do at that particular facility. They're all so different so it's hard to say. We don't employ CNA's at my jail, so I couldn't really provide a good answer. Some of my friends who work at jails with CNA's say that they take vital signs on inmates & incoming inmates. I think that is really helpful, because there's usually a lot of inmates in the facility receiving some sort of anti-hypertensive medication, and unfortunately we don't have the staff to take their vitals every day. The CNA could easily do this and then report it to the nurse responsible for that particular unit. If you are interested, I would suggest you apply. It's a very interesting field, but somewhat stressful because the inmates can be super manipulative.

[WannaBNursey, ADN, ASN, RN]

It's a very interesting field, but somewhat stressful because the inmates can be super manipulative.

Sounds just like working in the nursing home.

[KimberlyRN89, BSN, RN]

Sounds just like working in the nursing home.

Yes, but you don't have to worry about cleaning up people, or dealing with family members and fussy management breathing down your neck lol.

[animal1953]

One of the very first places my mother worked at after becoming an LPN was at the Walla Walla State Penn. She said she couldn't quit that job fast enough but stuck with it for the experience and the fact that there was a need for her there but it really scared the urine out of her to be there!

Walla Walla would scare the "urine" out of most people. I worked there for 2 years as a guard many moons ago. I was there during the riots happened and I know a lot of seasoned guards were scared stool-less. You mom has more guts than me. Good on her!!