Correctional nursing isnt for me!

Specialties Correctional

Published

After only 2 weeks of orienting, I discovered Correctional nursing isn't for me. The thought of returning makes my stomach twist in knots. In my 13 years of nursing, I've never gotten into my car after a shift and cried like a baby. I don't wanna leave so soon after only 2 weeks, even tried to communicate with ADON to decrease my time to ( 2 days a week, until I can find another job) she hasn't returned my call. Totally at a lost of what to do because I had so many hopes for this job but I guess the saying is, you either like it or you don't and yes the money and benefits were good but NOT worth my Sanity. Back to job hunting I go, pray for for me please nurse family?

Hi I'm sorry you didn't find it a fit for you. I'm a nursing student and I'm curious as to what factors have turned you off to correctional nursing. Good luck on the job hunt!

It all seemed a little overwhelming for me, the paper work, orders, having to get the meds/insulin pass done with in a certain time. During all that rush you find certain orders were never taken off or certain meds were never ordered. Those are those are things you get "used to" (I guess). It didn't help being around a bunch of negative nurses and COs who seemed so miserable and hated being their themselves. Every job has there down falls and I don't want to discourage anyone else from trying it. That's the main reason why I decided to try because I read a lot of nurses "love it" and it's "easy nursing". I will say the inmates were no problems at all and were very respectful, it was the staff more than anything that made it undesirable for me.

There are good correctional facilities to work at and bad correctional facilities to work at for various reasions.

However, it does seem that a person loves it or hates it. Don't be hard on yourself - at least you tried it and can now move on!

Thank you, I feel like such a failure :(

Please don't feel like a failure. From what your post said, the attitude and moral were awful there and there must have been a reason for this, as well as things not being done that should have. Maybe you needed more (or better) orientation, maybe it was not a well-run facility, or maybe it just wasn't for you. That doesn't make anyone a failure. I am on my way to a new job in corrections - a different type of corrections than I have done in the past. I am looking forward to trying this new area - but if I don't like it, I am not a failure. Neither are you. Look at your history, 13 years and you have never felt like this. Many people are afraid to try new things - but how are we going to know if we like something new if we don't give it a try? Kudos to you for trying.......and don't portray to future employers that you feel like a failure - look back at the good things you have done and know you are a success.

Specializes in Correctional Nursing; MSN student.

Hey, no worries! I worked in a facility that was so poorly staffed it was a nightmare! You couldn't pay me enough to go back there. Now I work in a small detention center and it's a GREAT job! Like many jobs staff makes ALL the difference. Move on and don't look back...good luck!

Thank you guys for these encouraging words. I actually spoke to another nurse who was in orientation with me and she feels the same exact way that I feel. I'm just relieved its not only me feeling this way

Specializes in LTC (LPN-RN).

The tough part will be quitting after such a short orientation. Are you feeling badly about that? What is your background. Were you a med surg nurse?

@ Katherine, no I wasn't a med surge nurse. In my 13 yrs I've done Rehab, LTC, Homehealth, and my last job was in an outpatient surgery center, only reason I left there is because doctors started retiring, which led to shorter days, unexpected closed days which equaled less income. I chose correctional nursing for job security and good things I've heard from other nurses (income). I have no other job to fall back on right now so I have no choice but to stay for now, maybe things will change, maybe I can tune out the negativity from staff.

It all seemed a little overwhelming for me the paper work, orders, having to get the meds/insulin pass done with in a certain time. During all that rush you find certain orders were never taken off or certain meds were never ordered. Those are those are things you get "used to" (I guess). It didn't help being around a bunch of negative nurses and COs who seemed so miserable and hated being their themselves. Every job has there down falls and I don't want to discourage anyone else from trying it. That's the main reason why I decided to try because I read a lot of nurses "love it" and it's "easy nursing". I will say the inmates were no problems at all and were very respectful, it was the staff more than anything that made it undesirable for me.[/quote']

Hello Mia Trace. I am starting my orientation on April 8 at a State prison and I am very nervous as I heard some negative stories.But a lot of people also says that eventually, you will get better and everything will just be a routine for you.Just hang in there. I know there will always be those negative people wherever you go but just think of the purpose of your presence in the facility.We are there to treat patients regardless of who they are.Just stick to the protocols and try to ignore the negative people around u.best of luck to you.

Specializes in Hospice, corrections, psychiatry, rehab, LTC.
After only 2 weeks of orienting, I discovered Correctional nursing isn't for me.

I respect your feelings. However, unless the place is a total hell hole, two weeks isn't enough time to become accustomed to the routine. You barely know what is going on in that period of time.

...even tried to communicate with ADON to decrease my time to ( 2 days a week, until I can find another job) she hasn't returned my call.

I am a correctional nursing administrator. If an employee - especially a new hire on probation, with no accumulated leave - came to me with a request like this, I could not grant it. Odds are that your ADON can't either. If you are hired into a full time position you must either work the hours, cover them with approved leave or, if your supervisor approves and policy allows it, go on leave without pay. The latter option is one that I would not grant to a new employee barring an emergency situation, because it essentially leaves you with a vacant position that you cannot fill.

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