CMS and others

JailHouseTeer · Jun 26, 2008

I worked for CMS for 20 years and I just left to take a better job with the prison I was working in. Its only as good as the staff that are working there. We have some grat staff here and its no different that any others. I say alotof that too but yo0u are not going to make everybody happy no matter what you do.

jamangel · Jul 13, 2008

i've worked for cms ad phs. it's really not so much the company than your direct supervisor/administrator is. at cms, my admin is crazy but she lets me do my thing. phs was cool too i have no complaints plus they weren't afraid to pay me my worth. i had to fight cms for my money

care? no difference in my experience

Itshamrtym · Jul 14, 2008

Katnip:

Do you have any idea what they pay Rn's in MD?? *(cms)* just curious... thanks... I just took a class last Friday with a gal that her husband is an RN and works for them.. She had no complaints... Sorry I can't help you more... Good luck...

Katnip, RN · Jul 15, 2008

I'm not sure yet about the pay. I'm looking at an ADON position in a state prison. I'm also looking into a regular nurse position in a county jail which is not through any agency. My old manager said she makes tons more money than in a private psych hospital.

When I find out I'll let you know.

Itshamrtym · Jul 16, 2008

Thanks Katnip!!! I would appreciate it... I was reading a thread on allnurses about FNP making 120K with the prison systems... That sounds real lovely.. LOL!!! Good luck with your quest... Thanks again..

military spouse · Jul 16, 2008

I worked for CMS at a MD prison before we moved to AZ. I had a great supervisor and it was a bit of a difficult transition intially, but then I learned to really enjoy it. I believe pay was in the $24-$25/hour range--lower than the local hospitals. There were 3 prisons on a long street and each had a different feel. I agree with the poster who says it is really dependent upon your supervisor. The staff seemed to change frequently and many nurses only lasted a week or two, but there were many that had been there for 10 or more years. Probably, not a whole lot in between.

Itshamrtym · Jul 17, 2008

Military spouse: thanks for your response... I am surprised, I thought that prison nurses made more than the hospitals etc... Did you work in Hagerstown... Just wondering, it sounds like Hagerstown... I am a littel confused with the whole prison thing... Do all prisons use companies like CMS for staffing, or so can you just work for the state or federal system?? Or do they have regular staff and people that work for CMS in the same facility?? Thanks ..

military spouse · Jul 18, 2008

Military spouse: thanks for your response... I am surprised, I thought that prison nurses made more than the hospitals etc... Did you work in Hagerstown... Just wondering, it sounds like Hagerstown... I am a littel confused with the whole prison thing... Do all prisons use companies like CMS for staffing, or so can you just work for the state or federal system?? Or do they have regular staff and people that work for CMS in the same facility?? Thanks ..

Hi,

Yes, it was Hagerstown. Hagerstown did not have any govt. nurses left. I believe CMS currently holds the contract for all MD state prisons, but I could be wrong. There are probably a few state nurses left in a prison or two, but I would imagine not many. The Hagerstown location had one that was working side-by-side with CMS employees for a few years, but that was long before my time. The pay is lower and many nurses only stayed a few weeks, but then you had the long-term employees that had been there for awhile. They kind of cleaned house of some of their mgt. employees shortly before I left. I would use caution if interested in a mgt. position since the responsibilites were great, but the resources were few!! They had an awesome ADON when I left, but I don't know if she is still there. They went through a few unit managers while I was there.

I believe all prisons in MD are CMS, but not all prisons in the U.S. I currently work as a state employee at a prison in another state. Much better staffing and benefits. I'm only pool, so those items don't affect me.

military spouse · Jul 18, 2008

Military spouse: thanks for your response... I am surprised, I thought that prison nurses made more than the hospitals etc... Did you work in Hagerstown... Just wondering, it sounds like Hagerstown... I am a littel confused with the whole prison thing... Do all prisons use companies like CMS for staffing, or so can you just work for the state or federal system?? Or do they have regular staff and people that work for CMS in the same facility?? Thanks ..

Oh, forgot to add that I believe there is a Federal prison in the Cumberland area and I believe you would be employed by the govt. and not a contractor.

MrsNjoro · Jul 18, 2008

I agree with the others, the people you work with really make the difference. I did not work for CMS but I know people that have, and love it! I worked in a jail for a little over a year and I loved it, however if the guards had not been as supportive as they were it would have been horrible. I think if you are going to be a good correctional nurse you need to stick to nursing and let the guards do the rule enforcement. The thing about correctional nursing is that you have to be patient and love psych. If you treat your inmates with respect they will love you and protect you with their lives. I always tell people that, for the most part, inmates are better patients than you will ever find in a hospital, because they don't expect you to care. I would have stayed forever if the hours were better!

Itshamrtym · Jul 19, 2008

military spouse: Thanks!!! To my dismay I have been to visit someone @ Cumberland too... Just a few weeks ago.. But, over 3 hours away. Thanks for the info... Take care...