Correctional nursing hmmmm....

jamangel · Nov 19, 2005

I've worked in a county jail and detention center in Richmond county,ga. It works no differently. Each nurse has an assigned duty. One does sick call and one does pill call. Just depends on the shift.

mom2mnaj · Nov 19, 2005

I want to share with you that I worked in corrections for over 10 years with the Correctional Medical Services. While there were definitely times of rough bumps (which job doesn't have them), I look back on those years with great satisfaction. I left corrections because of the need to move closer to family. At the time I moved, CMS did not have a contract in the state I moved to otherwise, I would have just transferred. (Perk of working with a large experienced company).

I moved 5 years ago and to this day have moments when I really miss working corrections. Someone said earlier that either you love it or you don't . I have found that to be especially true.

During the years I worked corrections, we worked very hard to improve the image of correctional nursing and I think we made great strides. Correctional nursing is unlike any other. You must know acute and chronic care, emergency care, clinic work, in cases of working with females, obstetrics adn gynecology, dialysis, etc. You never have the same day twice.

I definitely encourage other nurses who are looking for something different to at least consider it. In the 10 years I worked, there was never a staff member injured or harmed in the unit I worked. Everyone needs to remember, you are their nurse, not their friend and they are not in prison for missing church on Sunday. You can be professional, empathetic and yet maintain the distance required to avoid manipulation by the inmates.

Best wishes for everyone who gives it a shot!:) :)

psychonurse · Nov 19, 2005

I have been a correctional nurse for 16 years and I love it..I don't think that I could ever go back to hospital nursing after starting here. It is true as I saw people come and go at this job, you either love it or hate it and if you don't like it you need to move along. You have to keep your boundaries with these guys cause they will walk right over you every time if you don't. Let them know that you are here to give medical care and not looking for a husband or lover. You need to be totally professional with them and make them realize that you are there for one purpose, to give them medical care.

I have never been left alone with an inmate no matter what custody facility that I am at. I have been just as protected in a minimum as I am in a Max prison. I think there could be a lot of legal problems if you were alone with an inmate and got hurt. I am sure that your family could get back at the state for that one. Our inmates are getting longer sentances due to the new guidlines and so 25 years isn't a long time for them and assaulting a nurse is only 10 more years on their sentance. I have been seeing a lot more verbal abuse by the inmates and I just walk away when they are like that. They don't pay enough money for me to take that kind of attack. Even though I am sounding kind of against my job, I am very happy and wouldn't do anything else for the rest of my life. I only have a little over 5 years and then I can hit the road.

I wouldn't change my experience in corrections for anything but its been an interesting ride. I think someday I will sit down and write a book about my experience. :lol2: :w00t:

nurse1986 · Nov 21, 2005

Corrections is a great job. But you have to go into it and know yourself. the inmates have 24/7 to think of ways to get to you or even get you in trouble. They are very smart at this. My experience is no they are not in restraints all the time. and some of the officers are not good and will put you in danger. but that is when you must stand up for yourself and confront the officers. they are there to protect you.

go for it Don't be a Nancy Nurse , be a nurse to provide only care the inmates need

AnnabelleLee · Nov 22, 2005

now that i think about it, i did get shut in an exam room with an inmate once. he was very disgusted and said, "they shouldn't leave you in here with me!" then he said, "not that you're not safe. i won't hurt you." ah, correctional officers. . . .

BigB · Nov 26, 2005

( I am here to do a job, as a nurse) and if given a chance most of the inmates will hurt ya, not as fast as the C.O.'s but they can and will if ya let your gaurd down.

The inmates won't hurt you as fast as the Correctional officers? Please explain this. I know some damn good C.O.'s that I would trust much more than the murders, rapists, and violent prisoners that fill the prisons.

BigB · Nov 26, 2005

I interviewed for the job in jail. This is a detention center with' infirmary
with quite a few nurses. Is there anyone who is familiar with this setting?

if by infirmary you mean a psyc- unit I would avoid it like the plague. Working psyc for long periods of time changes people, and not in a good way. I now work with a former corrections nurse that worked 10 years in the psy unit and in his words "after a while you start to get as crazy as the inmates. His wife, who also works with me practically made him quit the job as corrections psyc nurse or the two would of divorced. He changed because of his work. Another thing he told me was that the turn over rate was very very high in infirmaries. HE said out of his entire class of orienties, he was the only one that lasted longer than 6 months. There is a reason these people are not staying. Something to think about before looking into it.

marylyric · Nov 26, 2005

Could you explain? How working psy changes people. I have noticed this also

You can send me a private message if you prefer. I know some may take offense to what you are about to say. I am so glad you said that because i have noticed also.

sexybbwnyc · Nov 26, 2005

i agree, you have to be professional yet stern when it comes to prison nursing. My problem was not the inmates, but the officers trying to hit on me (lol). My dad was a CO, so i know how some of the officers can be. My motto, do ur job and go home.

BigB · Nov 26, 2005

i agree, you have to be professional yet stern when it comes to prison nursing. My problem was not the inmates, but the officers trying to hit on me (lol). My dad was a CO, so i know how some of the officers can be. My motto, do ur job and go home.

come on now ! LOL You know that as a nurse in a hospital you will get hit on by dr's, physical therapists, RT's, cna's, etc etc and not to mention the patients themself. So is it the quality of man hitting on you (C.O.'s not making much money) or the fact that you were getting hit on in the first place. But i might see your point as there are a lot of male C.O's and the only females happen to be nurses. So you tend to be a target.

mary pm incoming,

sexybbwnyc · Nov 27, 2005

Yes, you have a point there, but i maintained my professionalism with all of them. :chuckle

maryk650 · Nov 28, 2005

Hey nightnurse,

I would be calling that officer back to where he belongs. It's too late after the inmate has attacked you. You should never allow yourself to be left alone with an inmate whether he is a trustee or one out of population.