CA/ State Prison RN job question

Specialties Correctional

Published

Hi..I am thinking of taking a position in San Quentin or Folsom/ Sacramento...if you work there would love some feedback about how you enjoy your work, working for the state etc...thanks!

Specializes in Med/Surg, Telemetry, Corrections.

Peaceful,

Thank you for your reply. From your response, you must work for the CDCR. Yes, I realize the pay is exceptional, even for the area. I can't even begin to compare it to my salary where I currently live. It would be like comparing apples to oranges. I also realize that the benefits are awesome, too. Yes, I am very familiar with the corrections environment. I've worked in both management and nursing staff positions within my state prison system and a county jail. No, I did not fly out for an interview. I was offered a phone interview instead. I wasn't sure how it went since it was really difficult to determine how the interviewers were reacting to my responses to their questions. I was very surprised and stunned when I received a call two weeks later offering me a preliminary job offer. With everything I've been following in the media, I found it surprising that they were continuing to hire new staff. They didn't mention what my starting salary would be. I just assumed it would be at the low end of the salary range. I still don't know. I've been very hesitant to call and ask. It's a very important piece of information to know, but it just feels awkward. Yes, I was wondering about the schedule issue. It kind of makes it difficult to work per diem shifts elsewhere to supplement your income if needed. Three furlough days is equivalent to a lot of pay lost in spite of the high salary. Who knows how long it will last with CA's economy in such dire straits right now... Moving to CA will be an expensive venture. Real estate prices (even for rentals) are outrageous...along with many other things. My husband keeps reminding me that I will be making a higher salary to accommodate the higher cost of living, but I'm still weary. I do know that corrections is my niche. I've worked in many areas of nursing since I've been a nurse, basically searching for the one thing that holds my attention and doesn't burn me out to the point where I dread the thought of clocking in yet one more shift. There is always something new and interesting going on in corrections, and you always have to be on your toes and aware of the environment. It fits my personality well. Thank you for your advice and words of wisdom and support. I'll be making my final decision once they make a formal offer.

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anybody interviewed for any of the Vacaville / solano state prisons and was offered a job? I am waiting for a reply and i interviewed for the solano correctionals and psychiatric programs. I am a new graduate and very interested in acute psych/forensic nursg.

I also need information on the difference between a correctional medical facility RN Vs Correctional RN Vs psychiatric correctional in terms of patient acuity, equipment, and staff safety.

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HELP, I have an interview tomorrow At the CMF in vacaville. I am a new graduate and i have gone to alot of interviews and exhausted all efforts during months of job hunt. I dont know if il get a response since its tomorrow. but anyone out there know what the interview questions are like and how to prepare for them at the Calif. medical facility in Vacaville? any tips appreciated, thank you!

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Hi, I am interviewing for San Quentin on Teusday. I am so nervous because I don't interview well. can anyone tell me how the interview process goes and what type of q's they ask? I am also wondering how acute the care at SQ is? I am working at a SBF right now. My thought is that it the care will be sismilar and that if they need any acute care thay go to a hospital? Am I correct? Thanks for any info. :clown:

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I have been offered a RN FT position at North Kern County State Prison in CA. I am a new-grad. Penny for your thoughts....

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qcwNEWGRAD09, just wondering if you have started the job yet? Is it hard to be a new grad and start with a prison RN job? Did you receive good training?

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WhoMeaNurse, I work at Coalinga State Hosp, as registry now, Dept of Mental Health and I know Corrections RNs make about 500-1000 more base pay than DMH, plus including drop w/furloughs too.

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CSUF student nurse, I have 6 months RN experience as registry at Coalinga State Hosp, Dept of mental health, and I just had an interview w/Central Ca Women's Facility in Chowchilla, and seem to be eligible for the job. Some prisons like Valley State are more competitive in that way now.

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miatagirl707...i tentatively have an interview at Coalinga state hospital this month. was wondering if you can email me for some pointers, which registry, and experiences...[email protected]. thank you.

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I got the job at Chowchilla, so it can happen.

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How do you like it there? I have an interview at Corcoran soon. I live in Los Angeles, but can not find any jobs locally. What are the schedules like? Do you feel safe? Thanks.

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Hi Tirzo13,

I have a question in regards to chula vista veterans home in San Diego. I am graduating as an

RN with my BSN in a couple months and am considering working at the chula vista veterans

home. Do you have any information about this facility? Such as benefits, do they provide a

pension aswell as 401k? How do they treat the employees? How much do RN's make there?

Overall do you like working there? I really want to work for the state because I hear they offer

great benefits, just not sure what they are, and I dont want to work in corrections, so I

figure the va home in chula vista might just be best for me :). I have seen your previous

posts and you give great information and advice! Any information would be greatly

appreaciated! Thanks :)

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