Just offered a job as Correctional Nurse III in NV

Specialties Correctional

Published

Specializes in ICU, psych, corrections.

I've been an RN since 2005. Spent several years in ICU then a short time in dialysis. I've been in psych since 2009. I am married to a Correctional Sergeant and have always toyed with the idea of working in the prison. The money is good and the 3 days/week shift appeals to me, especially since my son is 6 and I would like to spend more time on my days off with him. Right now, I am gone from 7am until almost 6pm (I commute a long way to my current job and it's 5 days a week) and don't see much of him or as much as I would like. I like my current job; I don't like the commute and I don't like the lack of pay raises for the past 5 years. By moving into Corrections, I would receive a substantial pay raise (64K a year to 81K a year) so I applied for the CN II and PN II positions that were open. What surprised me was being called for a CN III position (25k a year pay raise). I had applied for the CN II and PN II positions a few months back then a few weeks ago, decided on a whim to apply for the new CN III position they posted.

I have never been a supervisor in my nursing career but I have been left "in charge" of the clinic before when our supervisor is on vacation. I pick up new things pretty quickly and also am a big "policies and procedures" kind of gal. Being married to someone for the pats 12 1/2 years who has been in Corrections and also have toured the facility, I have a good idea of the environment, etc. The job I've been offered is for a nursing supervisor on night shift in charge of one RN, one LPN and one CNA. I am more apt to take this job over one where I would be in charge of a much larger staff since I am new at this. I'm no stranger to inmates since they come to see me upon being released from prison and I'm well aware of the antisocial behaviors, manipulations and games they like to play.

What is your opinion of moving from an outpatient psych facility to corrections? Also, is the fact I've never been a supervisor going to be an issue? I will be given a good orientation for the job and what is expected of a supervisor. The shift is from Thurs-Sat, 6pm to 6am. I'm excited for the change in venue and opportunity to advance my career a little with getting some experience as supervisor but part of me is terrified to leave what I have known for the past 5 years and go to a new environment. I would love to hear from some correctional nurses who practice in Nevada as well!

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Kudos for your new job/adventure. I want to go into correctional nursing as well. Do you know anyone in california that could help me? Good luck. I'm sure things will work out fine for you.

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Holy moly Sunday-weds off? I'd do it!

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Look up "Orca" on this site. He is a DON of a correctional facility in Nevada and can provide you with plenty of helpful info.

I sometimes follow his posts. He's an encyclopedia in this area of nursing!

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Hi Life_is_Good....

I recently came across your post and was writing to see how you like your new position? I currently work in Corrections and LOVE it! I am in the process of moving to Nevada and am hoping to stay in corrections. I was hoping you would be willing to share some information regarding your job. I'm assuming you work for the DOC as your job title matches some of the jobs I have seen, Do you work 8/10/12 hour shifts? Etc.....Any information would be greatly appreciated. Hope you are happy in your new position!

Thanks in Advance,

KimiRey

I've been an RN since 2005. Spent several years in ICU then a short time in dialysis. I've been in psych since 2009. I am married to a Correctional Sergeant and have always toyed with the idea of working in the prison. The money is good and the 3 days/week shift appeals to me, especially since my son is 6 and I would like to spend more time on my days off with him. Right now, I am gone from 7am until almost 6pm (I commute a long way to my current job and it's 5 days a week) and don't see much of him or as much as I would like. I like my current job; I don't like the commute and I don't like the lack of pay raises for the past 5 years. By moving into Corrections, I would receive a substantial pay raise (64K a year to 81K a year) so I applied for the CN II and PN II positions that were open. What surprised me was being called for a CN III position (25k a year pay raise). I had applied for the CN II and PN II positions a few months back then a few weeks ago, decided on a whim to apply for the new CN III position they posted.

I have never been a supervisor in my nursing career but I have been left "in charge" of the clinic before when our supervisor is on vacation. I pick up new things pretty quickly and also am a big "policies and procedures" kind of gal. Being married to someone for the pats 12 1/2 years who has been in Corrections and also have toured the facility, I have a good idea of the environment, etc. The job I've been offered is for a nursing supervisor on night shift in charge of one RN, one LPN and one CNA. I am more apt to take this job over one where I would be in charge of a much larger staff since I am new at this. I'm no stranger to inmates since they come to see me upon being released from prison and I'm well aware of the antisocial behaviors, manipulations and games they like to play.

What is your opinion of moving from an outpatient psych facility to corrections? Also, is the fact I've never been a supervisor going to be an issue? I will be given a good orientation for the job and what is expected of a supervisor. The shift is from Thurs-Sat, 6pm to 6am. I'm excited for the change in venue and opportunity to advance my career a little with getting some experience as supervisor but part of me is terrified to leave what I have known for the past 5 years and go to a new environment. I would love to hear from some correctional nurses who practice in Nevada as well!

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Specializes in ICU, psych, corrections.

Hi kimirey! I've been here for about three months now and am enjoying the job 90% of the time. The other 10%, I am irritated due to staffing issues. We have been running short staffed for the entire time I've been here and finally, I'm getting an LPN in our med room. It has made taking annual leave, furloughs (we are mandated to take 48 hours a year of furloughs) and early outs very difficult. I work Thurs/Fri/Sat nocs from 6pm to 6am then every other Wed from 6pm to 2am for a total of 40 hours per pay period. Most of us are on 12 hour shifts; I think the DON's are on four 10 hour shifts. We are almost always looking for help, it seems. The RN on my shift is pregnant and will be out on maternity leave from May to June, possibly longer. And another day time RN is looking for another job as she can't seem to handle the prison environment (she is a very touchy feeling, let me fluff your pillow kind of RN). Overall, the job is interesting and as long as we are staffed appropriately, I enjoy the job very much. What part of NV? North or South? There are obviously more opportunities down south; I am at the main prison up north (not Ely as there is NOTHING out there but mines and cattle....lol). Good luck with your move :-)

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I have been a nurse for 9 years and 2 years in corrections. I love working in correction as no two days are the same it a cross between emergency nursing and clinic nursing. We do lots of chronic care and make a difference in lives. Most of inmates have not any medical care for the better part of their adult life. Yes, correction can be stressful and dangerous at time however, I love it. I will caution you to learn to remind yourself who you are working with daily. I wish you well and good luck with your new job

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Specializes in ICU, psych, corrections.

Thank you for the reminder :-) Luckily, I am married to a Correctional Sergeant and have spent the last 13 years listening to stories of nurses who have been compromised, etc. I am pretty good at setting boundaries after working with psych patients for the past 5 years and understand the dangers of letting my guard down, faciliating familiarity, etc. I still have to stay vigilant as some of them are quite the charmers!

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