New to corrections nursing what to expect

Orca, ADN, ASN, RN · Jan 15, 2013

Shadowing generally means that you will be following, and observing, a nurse who is proficient in the tasks you will be performing on your own once orientation is done. Four hours seems a little short. The length of orientation we offer varies, but it is never less than two weeks. We tailor it to the individual. Some people become independent more quickly than others. The last person we hired was essentially ready to go after the first week, and although we continued orientation for another week we gave her more freedom than we typically give someone with a week on the job.

smpnurse · Jan 15, 2013

Orca

So is shadowing a part of the on the job training or is it considered to be the training? I'm confused because of the 4 hour time frame. I'm hoping they don't expect anyone to be ready in that short of a time frame. Thank you for your input. :-)

Orca, ADN, ASN, RN · Jan 19, 2013

I am new to corrections nursing and I would like to know what to expect. Today was the first day of orientation and was told I will job shadow later this week. How is job shadowing conducted and is 4 hours standard? How much on the job training is usually given? I would like to be prepared and would appreciate the feed back on this matter.

Shadowing generally means that you will be spending the specified time with an experienced nurse and observing what he/she does. You also have the opportunity to ask questions. Four hours is far too short, IMO. We never shadow for less than a couple of days, and that may be extended depending upon the nurse in orientation.

cchezem15 · Jan 23, 2013

Hi!

Correctional nursing in my opinion is great! This was my first job out of nursing school and I feel like I have already learned so much. Our MD is not there 24/7 so you have to learn to use your critical thinking skills A LOT! I like the autonomy I get and that I get to deal with many different areas (chronic care, acute care, psych, triage), especially as an LVN. I am very cautious though at the same time, I document everything and if I am ever unsure about a situation, I call the MD. I would recommend to you that if you cannot keep your judgements at the door, do not work in this environment. You will be treating many different types of people and some have done horrible things. Overall though, I love the environment and all the skills that I use. I truly believe that it will beneficial when I move on to receive my RN.