Michigan Correctional Nurses

Hello,

I am currently a nursing student about 20 school weeks from graduation and was hoping to get some information on correctional nursing. I have read many threads on the topic and am weighing the options as I know many people believe that experience as a nurse is a must in this area. I agree to a certain extent but many of the arguments are things like needing to work well under pressure and being able to respond to emergencies and things like that. I don't mean any disrespect but some of the reasons for not starting out in this area seem to be more life experience situations not necessarily nursing related. I am 39 and have worked in EMS for nearly 20 years and I am not saying that would take the place of nursing experience but it does help in the sense that I have worked under pressure my whole adult life while responding to emergency scenes. Here is my dilemma, I know that I want to work in public health- after many clinical hours the hospital just doesn't appeal to me as it did prior to starting the nursing program.

This brings me to why I really wanted to post this putting aside whether new grads should go this route is it even possible to get a position as a new grad in Michigan and if so am I able to apply before having the license in hand or can I just put my potential graduation date and pending exam info. I am afraid they will just discard the application if there is no license number to give them but I anticipate working for the state would be a long process and want to start it as soon as I can. I appreciate all responses. Thank you.