Prison nursing--is this normal?

Specialties Correctional

Published

Well, I just started at a state facility that has contracted (X) for medical/dental care. I hate it! It makes med/surg look good:crying2: I keep hearing, "it will get better." 35 treatments, v.s. for doc's patients, and probably 10-20 screenings per shift, all by myself! Doc's orders aren't taken off for days to a week. Is this normal or acceptable? Actually, I know it's not acceptable. The treatments that should require sterile technique, i.e.-packing wounds with iodoform are being done with a minimally clean technique. MRSA, hepatitis and HIV are EVERYWHERE! Apparantly, there should be two nurses in each dispensary, but there isn't enough staff and so there basically each prison gets one nurse. I'm just wondering if others are dealing with this and if it gets better with time/experience in corrections? I'm incredibly overwhelmed and I have NEVER felt that way with any other jobs. Opinions/thoughts, please!

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RUN.

This should not be normal. If things are as you say, get out now. Let them implode and reform in a better manner (i.e., after they pay out litigation). Do not be a part of the meltdown, because you will get burnt.

Well, I just started at a state facility that has contracted (X) for medical/dental care. I hate it! It makes med/surg look good:crying2: I keep hearing, "it will get better." 35 treatments, v.s. for doc's patients, and probably 10-20 screenings per shift, all by myself! Doc's orders aren't taken off for days to a week. Is this normal or acceptable? Actually, I know it's not acceptable. The treatments that should require sterile technique, i.e.-packing wounds with iodoform are being done with a minimally clean technique. MRSA, hepatitis and HIV are EVERYWHERE! Apparantly, there should be two nurses in each dispensary, but there isn't enough staff and so there basically each prison gets one nurse. I'm just wondering if others are dealing with this and if it gets better with time/experience in corrections? I'm incredibly overwhelmed and I have NEVER felt that way with any other jobs. Opinions/thoughts, please!
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I have never heard anything good about any of the private-for-profit companies that either provide heatlh services in prisons, or just run prisons. (Unless you count as "good" that they make big profits for their shareholders! :chuckle ) A few years ago, my state contracted with one of these companies to run some of the state prisons (because they claim they can do it so much efficiently, and cost-effectively), and then it turned out that conditions in the privately-run prisons were so horrible (not to mention blatantly in violation of the standards of care outlined in the contract) that the state had to cancel the contract prematurely, kick out the private company, and go back to running the prisons itself.

I agree with BSNinTX. At some point (sooner rather than later, I hope, for the prisoners' sake), the doo-doo will hit the fan, and there's no reason why you should help take the fall ...

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Well, I just wanted to add that I've now worked two shifts in the infirmary and I really like it. I guess the dispensary and the specific prison's disorganization really isn't for me. Thanks for the replies!

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Just always protect your license. Trust me, convicted felons have nothing to lose if YOU wrong them!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

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You need to do just as the others have stated and get out as soon as possbile. You do not need the litigation hassles they are about to endure is correct.

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Just wanted to update........

I still really like the infirmary. I think we have a strong mgt team and good co-workers. I guess the dispensary just isn't for me:imbar I'm glad I stayed longer than the first 3 days so that I had an opportunity to find my niche. Thanks everyone for the words of wisdom!

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