Husband is a Correctional Officer; thinking about working as RN there

[LilRedRN1973]

My husband has worked for DOC in our state for the past 5 years and loves his job. I have been fortunate enough to tour his facility twice; once with a Criminal Justice class he was taking and worked me into the tour and another with the nursing class. I wasn't uncomfortable with the surroundings, nor the inmates, although I kept my guard up at all times. I was disappointed in my fellow nursing students, who kept giggling nervously and acting like they were on vacation. My husband taught me about what to expect and the proper behavior once behind the front gate.

My question is this: I graduated June 2005 and have been in the ICU since 2003; first as an Apprentice Nurse, then as an RN. I love my job, but I was recently diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis. I'm smart enough to know that I will eventually not be able to do the physical work the ICU entails, as well as experience the burnout I know exists in the ICU. I've thought long and hard about correctional nursing and what it has to offer. I've never spoken to a corrections nurse that DIDN'T love her job, unlike those working in hospitals.

The pay is comparable to what I would earn in the hospital and the woman who is in charge of staffing really respects and admires my husband, so she has told both of us in the past that if I want to come work there, she will work with me to get a desirable schedule. We have 2 children and working 12 hour night shifts stinks sometimes. This woman told me they have many, many different hours available and that there are 3 RN's almost ready to retire.

My concern is working at the same facility as my husband. Would that give the inmates any ammunition if they figured out we were married? I think it concerns my husband because as I'm sure you are aware, there are no hostages in that setting. I am really serious about wanting to eventually work Corrections (I think I need more experience on my own two feet first....plan on staying in the ICU for about 4-5 years) and would like any advice, opinions, or suggestions anybody may have.

Also, does your size matter when it comes to holding your own? I mean, I'm barely 5'1" and worry that inmates may feel as though they can "bully" me. I don't put up with crap and have been told more than once that I look like I don't take crap. Would my short stature and small physique make things more difficult for me to do my job? Also, I'm unsure of what kind of medical problems you routinely face in your position. I'm looking for input from those who work in prisons, rather than jails. I know we have a Regional Medical Facility that houses a complete dental suite, ortho suite, surgical suite, etc. But I also know I see officers with inmates at my hospital, so the inmates are transported to the outlying facilities when too sick to remain at the prison. My husband has told me there are a lot of STD's, Hepatitis, and Diabetes.

There is also an extensive psych unit at this prison and that piques my interest as well. I'm so torn because in nursing, there are SO many areas to choose from that I become confused about where I may fit in. I do worry that I won't feel as appreciated as I do in the hospital setting. One of the things I love is feeling as though I've been an important part of a patient's recovery.

I have to take my medical diagnosis into account and that's another reason why corrections may be for me. I have talked to some of the nurses at my husband's prison and they've all said the work they do doesn't compare physically to what they once did when employed at a hospital. Working in a doctor's office does NOT interest me at all and I don't think it ever will. School nursing held my interest as well, but the pay stinks and we can't support our family on $32,000/year. The prison here starts around $52,000/year and tops out at $75,000/year. They also have twice as many paid holidays as the hospital and better benefits. Not to mention a pension! That's something that really factors into my interest.

Any information you folks can give me would be greatly appreciated. Sorry this turned out to be so long!

Melanie = )

[weyschad]

I work as a nurse at an FMC in Rochester, MN. My husband is a correctional officer out here. He has 18 years experience to my 5. We had more problems with staff sharing that we are married - telling the inmates. I think it helps because I can bounce corrections off my husband. I never get bored as there is allways something new plus psych, outpatient and travel to a different institution. Good Luck and if you have more questions e-mail away.

[2003rn, ASN, RN]

There is an LPN working in the correctional facility where I work, her husband is a corrections officer. They have had no problems. She works days, he works nights. I worked in a nursing home 3 years and just started a few months ago in corrections and I really love it. Good luck with what ever you decide to do.

[betsy1963]

I wouldn't worry about your height as being an issue, as I'm 5'1" and I haven't had any different problems than taller nurses. The important thing is that you are able to use common sense, are able to say no when you need too and are able to follow protocol. I work in an institution for inmates with mental health issues. It is for those with sentences less than 2 years, but some of the fellows have done federal time in the past for violent crimes. Nurses provide the "care" on the units and the correctional officers come if we have a behaviour problem that we can't deal with. I feel safer here than the psychiatric hospital that I worked at.

[Orca, ADN, ASN, RN]

Working in corrections, about 90 percent of the job is how you conduct yourself. Apart from security concerns, there are very few differences in the way I operate inside the medium-security prison where I currently work and the way I operated at the hospitals I have worked in.

One of the RNs I work with is married to a former correctional officer. For a long period of time, both of them worked at my facility There was never any fallout that I can recall. Some of the inmates even joked with her about her husband writing them up.

Your stature has nothing to do with your effectiveness at your job.

[texascowgirl]

I am a former Texas prison nurse (and also have worked Georgia prisons)...when i worked in a Texas prison, i got married to a corrections officer (since dee-vorced).......there aint NO secrets in prison, lemme tell ya, you can try to hide being married but those inmates all get issued dumbo ears as soon as they chain in..and xray vision. they will find out, one way or another. The inmates knowledge of us being married didnt really change things that much. But then again, lots of married couples worked at the unit i was employed at. Nepotism ruled. How is the NV Department of Corrections? I am asking because I love the "West" and will definitely be relocating back to Texas, or considering AZ, NM, CO, or NV. I miss cowboy country. Georgia sucks BIG TIME. And i miss correctional health, but wont work in GA DOC facilities ever again (i have a thread re why)...currently a PACU nurse, but have worked ER for past 3 years

[Orca, ADN, ASN, RN]

How is the NV Department of Corrections? I am asking because I love the "West" and will definitely be relocating back to Texas, or considering AZ, NM, CO, or NV. I miss cowboy country.

I work for the Nevada DOC at a medium-security prison about 40 miles north of Las Vegas. Correctional nursing in Nevada is the place to be, as far as I'm concerned. The state gave us a substantial pay raise last year (close to 20%), and we are due to get another five percent July 1. A prison south of Las Vegas which has been largely closed for several years is slated to reopen sometime between June and August (depending upon which rumor you believe) and this will create openings both at that facility (Southern Nevada Correctional Center at Jean) and at others as some personnel transfer to Jean. In other words, we're hiring, and the pay is good. Another bonus: Nevada state employees don't pay Social Security taxes, which increases your take-home pay. And if you work a holiday (there are ten of them), it's double time and a half. Another plus is no state income tax.

If you prefer a more rural environment, the prisons in northern Nevada are always looking for medical help.

The hospitals in Las Vegas are understaffed and several are operated by companies from areas of the country where the salary levels are much lower. They believe they can pay that here and compete. No chance. I can't recommend the hospitals here as employers. You would believe that health care providers in the state which is dead last in nurses per capita would treat them like gold, but it doesn't happen. No wonder they're loaded with travel nurses.

Come and join us behind the fences.

[RocknRollYogaRn]

I also work for the Nevada Dept. of Corrections "40 miles north of las vegas." The manditory retirement contribution takes approximately $500.00+ per month out of my paycheck. We might not pay social security but PERS contribution is high and the benefits aren't that great, BUT can't beat the pay...It still beats hospital nursing though...

[surgnurse26]

I also work for the Nevada Dept. of Corrections "40 miles north of las vegas." The manditory retirement contribution takes approximately $500.00+ per month out of my paycheck. We might not pay social security but PERS contribution is high and the benefits aren't that great, BUT can't beat the pay...It still beats hospital nursing though...

You can change your retirement to empoer only avoiding them taking the money out for your contributions, your take home will be more, but your your gross will be less. I am empoyer/employee plan. I have been a c/o in the state of nevada for 5 years nowand almost done with nursing school, but I will say that Admiistration does look a bit down on me for changing my position, but you know what, that even if i get my RN, they will still hier me no problem because they need them. state does have its perks and RNs in this state do get payed more then c/o. Way easier then the hospital, but pretty boring also, but if you like that, more power. I am looking to see what else is out there. but money is good, but nevada is getting expensive.

[Bluejay2002]

Been working with my husband for 11 years now. Nothing beats it. It strengthens our marriage and give insight into each others lives. It also increases communication and gives a new appreciation for what each of you do. Its so nice when someone close can really, truely understand what you mean when you discuss your day.