considering corrections again

Specialties Correctional

Published

I worked at a local jail for just over a year about 3 years ago. I was let go for "budget cuts" technically, but was on probation at the time for a lot of mistakes I made during the last few months there at my yearly review. Although you were supposed to be under a preceptor for the first year, she pretty much let me go on my own after the first month or so and thinking back, I don't think she did the best job training me. I didn't like it much there as it was usually very stressful and I always left with a headache. For a little over the past 3 years I've been at an assisting living facility and it is usually fairly laid-back as far as emergencies, ect. but it is also stressful at times due to management and hours getting cut whenever the census gets low and the call-offs and turnover of the aides. The benefits aren't that good either and they don't give raises, just "bonuses" twice a year that usually don't even cover a weeks wages.

Anyway, I noticed the local jail is hiring for per diem positions right now and I thought I'd apply for the heck of it to see if I could maybe work a day every other other weekend as I currently work 10 out of every 14 days. To my surprise the recruiter called and left a message, but I'm debating on whether to call back or not? It is a different company that you would work for now, but I'm sure the jail is run pretty much the same. Maybe a different shift wouldn't be as bad (I worked 2nd before), but I would think there would be some training and I don't have that much time off now to get a break from my full time job. But I do need the money as I recently got a notice the city is making me fix my sidewalk and I basically live paycheck-to-patcheck and can't afford it at the moment. What do you guys think, worth another shot and at least call and see what they say?

Specializes in 8 years Telemetry/Med Surg, 5 years Stepdown/PCU.

I say go for it,the worst they could say is no right

Well, I called them back and now think maybe I shouldn't have. I was on the phone for about 20 minutes and had what seemed like a mini interview which I wasn't really expecting and don't know if I answered all the questions right. The more I think about it I don't think I really want to go back, but then again it would be a good idea to have a backup job in case something happens at my full time job or hours get cut again. He said they would contact me within a week to set up a "real" interview if they are interested in me. The company also had an opening at another jail, but its a good hour drive instead of the local one that's about 15-20 min. I would kind of like to try a new place, but there are none any closer.

Specializes in Hospice, corrections, psychiatry, rehab, LTC.

In this economy you can never have too many irons in the fire. During my nursing career I have worked for two facilities that changed hands while I was on duty, and one that was closed altogether by the parent company. We never know what lies ahead. If you decide you don't like it, at least it isn't your primary job and you can find something you like better.

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