Job Shadowing Question

Specialties Correctional

Published

Hello all! This is my first thread and I'm still new to having an account so I hope I am doing this right. So I have a question I was hoping someone on here can answer. I am in nursing school and due to graduate this December. I really feel drawn to correctional nursing and think it would be a really great fit for me (even if it's not my first job-this girl will NOT be picky her first time around). Anyway I was hoping someone could tell me if it was possible to shadow a correctional nurse, if anyone here has done it. I have called some facilities but keep getting the run around. I think I'm contacting the wrong department/people. Has anyone successfully (as a student) been able to shadow a correctional nurse? Thanks.

Specializes in Psychiatry.

I actually just called about this for a job posting near me in CT and spoke with the HSA who said it takes "a lot of doing" to get a job shadow going because of the hazardous environment, the background checks, etc. He did tell me that there is a tour of the facility during the interview which he did say was "as close to" a job shadow he could do, which sounds a little scary: you want me to accept a position without seeing exactly what a day is like? I'm thinking this is quite different than a day in Med/Surg or a day in mental health.

I know my school had rotations you could apply for in the DOC (fundamentals and mental health). I, unfortunately, was rejected both times (many, many applicants from my class). Still very curious, though. Good luck!

Specializes in Corrections, Psych, Public Health.

I have never heard of job shadows n corrections in Cali. Although I know some schools are contracted with some psych institutions that house inmates only (who are not fit t stand trial). Basically a shadow is hard because of the background checks and because you are not employed by the state/county/private contractor that you will be working (shadowing) for.

And yes a typical corrections nursing day is no where close to a typical med/surg day ( I have worked both so I can tell you this from my personal experience). There are a lot threads on here that describe a typical day in corrections, I suggest you read them:) Good luck with your search.

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