new to correctional nursing., What is a typical day like?

Specialties Correctional

Published

Specializes in L & D, PACU, NICU.

Hello,

I'm a 53 y.o. nurse with many years experience but I've never been a correctional nurse before. I have been hired, but haven't started yet and would like to know what a typical day is like, that is if there is one. Do most nurses wear scrubs? Do the facilities provide? How dangerous is this type of job?

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Specializes in LTC, Hospice, corrections, +.

Welcome. Prison and jail are different. Do you know what kind of facility you will be in? Basics are initial health assessments, med pass, detoxing, diabetic care, sick call, dealing with emergent situations; really everything from head lice to full codes. It flucuates between an ER and a clinic with a splash of residential care. The bonus is that you may be the only healthcare a person has ever been exposed to. That means you get to do health teaching as well. Doesn't mean they will listen but you get to.

Your facility will have guidelines for dress etc. but use common sense. Your most important asset will be your assessment skills and your BS meter. Do not share personal information or be too chatty with IM's as they will always take it wrong and think you will do favors for them. There are many threads here with excellent information. Again more specifics will depend on type and size of facility. Read through the threads and you will find more info than many of us had when we started, much of it incredibly useful. I feel incredibly safe where I am. Much safer than being charge overnight by myself in a large LTC. Ohh another bonus...no customer service surveys. You get to do your job, not sell a facilty. Just remember fair, firm and CONSISTANT. Good luck.

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Specializes in L & D, PACU, NICU.

Thank you deyo321!!! I appreciate your time and great advice. I will be working at a County Jail. Any more insight would be appreciated. I will continue reading other threads as well. Thanks again! maryvfh

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Specializes in ER TRAUMA.

deyo321 or anyone. im a lpn here in NYC and presently an RN student, interested in working in Rikers correctional facility or any other in nassau, or bronx correctional facility. how do i go about getting an interview for consideration? or do you know agencies that do staffing for corrections? your help is highly appreciated!! thanks in advance!

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Great information, Devo.

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Specializes in ER TRAUMA.
Welcome. Prison and jail are different. Do you know what kind of facility you will be in? Basics are initial health assessments, med pass, detoxing, diabetic care, sick call, dealing with emergent situations; really everything from head lice to full codes. It flucuates between an ER and a clinic with a splash of residential care. The bonus is that you may be the only healthcare a person has ever been exposed to. That means you get to do health teaching as well. Doesn't mean they will listen but you get to.

Your facility will have guidelines for dress etc. but use common sense. Your most important asset will be your assessment skills and your BS meter. Do not share personal information or be too chatty with IM's as they will always take it wrong and think you will do favors for them. There are many threads here with excellent information. Again more specifics will depend on type and size of facility. Read through the threads and you will find more info than many of us had when we started, much of it incredibly useful. I feel incredibly safe where I am. Much safer than being charge overnight by myself in a large LTC. Ohh another bonus...no customer service surveys. You get to do your job, not sell a facilty. Just remember fair, firm and CONSISTANT. Good luck.

very informative! however, can you tell me what agency, here in NY will give me an opportunity to exp. nursing on rikers island? please respond. thanks!

jasmine

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deyo321 or anyone. im a lpn here in NYC and presently an RN student, interested in working in Rikers correctional facility or any other in nassau, or bronx correctional facility. how do i go about getting an interview for consideration? or do you know agencies that do staffing for corrections? your help is highly appreciated!! thanks in advance!

Rikers medical staff is supplied by Prison health services, here is the link. I hope it will be of some use to you.

http://www.phscorrections.com/people/employment

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Specializes in ER TRAUMA.

thanks praise2u!!! I thought I would never get a reply to this!!! Super!!!

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Hi, maryvfh;

are you hired recently? where is the facility you were hired, Los angeles or somewhere else?

thanks

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thanks praise2u!!! I thought I would never get a reply to this!!! Super!!!

You are quite welcome, and I wish you all the best! I just got hired so any questions you would like to ask feel free!

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