New grand LPN contemplating working at a prison

Specialties Correctional

Published

I just sat for and passed my LPN boards (but am continuing in an RN program starting during August) and I've begun applying for various LPN positions. I decided to submit an application for an LPN position at a maximum security prison in my state. To my surprise they called me twice today. I won't know any details until I attend the interview, however I am just wondering your opinions on a new LPN working in a prison. I do have experience in an acute health care setting as a PCT. Also, what is it like working there? Do you feel threatened by the inmates? I must admit a resident in a nursing home I just applied to plane creeped me out. I could see working in a prison being interesting - I bet you learn a lot.

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Hi..congrats on getting your LPN! I have been an LPN for 14 yrs and recently graduated from RN program, just waiting to take the boards..yikes! I currently work in substance abuse/mental health cause as you know they pretty much go hand in hand and I love it. I worked for a maximum women's prison for a few mos. through an agency and it was pretty interesting. Although, I will admit that I would much rather work with men than women inmates any day!! I didn't feel threatened but was nervous in the beginning, naturally so, but you have to get over that fear cause the inmates will sense that and take advantage of it. As far as the job itself, I thought it wasn't bad..it's not physically demanding as much as it could be emotionally draining at times. It's one of those jobs that you either love it or hate it...Good Luck!!!!

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Specializes in Quality Nurse Specialist, Health Coach.

I worked for a hospital for 6 months as a new grad and then began working at the all male prison I am working at now. I love it. It is so less stressful than the hospital. I've learned a lot and there is never a dull day!

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@ srleslie: don't know much about correctional nursing but I also have an interview at this state prison next week. I don't know if i'm going to attend the interview because its far from where I live. ALso, i got accepted for the RN-BSN at this university close to where I live. Do you think I should give up pursuing my BSN to work at this state prison??? I have to decide soon so I can call them to cancel my interview. Im undecided for now...

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@ srleslie: don't know much about correctional nursing but I also have an interview at this state prison next week. I don't know if i'm going to attend the interview because its far from where I live. ALso, i got accepted for the RN-BSN at this university close to where I live. Do you think I should give up pursuing my BSN to work at this state prison??? I have to decide soon so I can call them to cancel my interview. Im undecided for now...

did you have the interview? how was it? did you get hired? how long did you wait to get an interview from the time you applied... thanks!

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I had the interview however, they offered me 15.50 an hour. After leaving the prison I got an interview from a nursing home 3 minutes from my apartment (vs 45 min for the jail) that paid 19.50. It's the 3-11 shift at the nursing home, and the jail was going to be 4 10 hour overnight shifts. So it was really an no-brainer for me. I started at the nursing home last week and I'm almost done with orientation and so far it's going great. Feels good to be earning a good wage for the first time in my life too. Going to sit out a semester and go back and finish my RN and hopefully work the weekend option while going back to school.

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