Prison Nursing- what does it involve?

Specialties Correctional

Published

Sure sounds spooky, but is it really? I've heard all kinds of stuff, mostly that you pass meds, and a guard is at your side throughout- but some places have armed guards, some don't? I've also never heard of a prison nurse being attacked/killed/etc., even during riots. I hear of guards being attacked and killed almost routinely though. Possibly, it's bad karma, in prison culture, to mess with the 'nurse'?

The state of CA has posted lots of new prison nurse jobs, that they claim are a result of having to restore prisoner's constitutional rights- even in this time of the impending Great Depression Part II?

I also take note that a few of those places, such as San Quentin, pay a premium wage? Uh-oh...

Comments?

Like someone said there is no cut and dry answer...it is a VERY dangerous job. Most of the prisoners for the most part are polite to med staff and we are talking about PRISON not just jail. Maybe you should try working in a jail first where you dont have murders etc.... when I worked for a 911 service we did calls to our local fed pen all the time. I NEVER had a prisoner that was out of control, rude, or ever did I feel unsafe. Of course you have guards everywhere. Actually the prisoners were more polite than most of my normal patients. Yes ma'am, no ma'am....we even did disaster drills out there for MCI'S and never walking in and out of the prison did I ever feel unsafe. But there is still a chance. It is a great job and being part of the GS system is good money. I def wouldnt want to work nights but I would take a day shift in a heartbeat! I wanted to apply for a medic position but my hubby wasnt having it. Good luck!

I do know for a fact that county jails are more dangerous than 'prisons'...and far more understaffed. Not for me, no way, Jose. By the time they get to the BIg House, certain issues have been resolved, etc- and they have also been 'proven' guilty. BUt what do the nurses DO?

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Vents, Telemetry, Home Care, Home infusion.

Moved to our Correctional Nursing forum --take a look around at the threads here.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Emergency Nursing.

I was a correctional nurse for 11 months- first job out of school. I worked in the clinic. I'll send you some mails examples of my experiences in ur mail.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Emergency Nursing.

for some reason i can't edit to fix my own redundancies in the post above... bah. I've been writing like that all day- makes me wonder if I've had a small TIA...

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Correctional Nursing; MSN student.
"Love the shoes..."

I get that a lot, lol! I disagree that prison is safer than jail. Once sentenced some inmates may feel they have nothing to lose. While they are in jail the majority have not been ajudicated. Security can be quite variable depending on the facility. I feel more secure seeing inmates in my clinic than I would in any ER.:) This is very much staff dependent. I feel very lucky to have my job! Just be aware all sites are different.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Hi, I'm new around here. Can you please send me the examples also? I will be done with school in June and I want to go into correctional nursing for my first job. I could really use some insight on the workload and what I should expect.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
I was a correctional nurse for 11 months- first job out of school. I worked in the clinic. I'll send you some mails examples of my experiences in ur mail.

My initial reply was meant for you. Still trying to figure out how things work around here lol.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

I have been a correctional nurse for the past two years and I really enjoy it. Every facility is different depending on the level of security inmates you are dealing with. I work in a minimum security prison with federal inmates and I have never once felt threaten by an inmate. With that being said I still know I cant ever let my guard down because once that mistake happens I put myself at risk. The inmates definitely try to munipulate people so you also have to be aware of that. One thing that worries me about correctional nursing is I feel that the nurse's lose their compassion for treating patients. I understand inmates have done bad things to be put in prison, but i don't believe they are all bad people. I mean if you think about it you could be working in a hospital and have a patient that is a mass murder that has yet to be caught. At least I walk into work every day knowing my patients are dangerous. That being said, I enjoy my job, make good money, and help patients that actually really appricate your help. Just remember treat them like you want to be treated!

One thing to know, once you are in corrections its kinda hard to get out because hospital and other medical settings don't look at correctional nursing very highly :(

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Hi can I ask why they don't look at prison nurse so highly? Also pay rate ? I have interview Friday for LPN position thanks :)

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Hi~ I loved working in corrections. I worked in jails, and prisons and correctional facilities in my 32 yrs of nursing. I really loved it until and unfortunately I had a low paying job where an inmate two feet from me took a razor blade from his mouth and slit his throat. However, despite that, I would go back to working in a prison again. He was just looking for attention, not to harm anyone. I would have stayed there, but the pay was really lousy. I think overall, I liked detention centers the best. You give meds, do simple physicals and sick calls utilizing approved protocols. Not really hard work, and the inmates DO respect the nurses. I always treated them appropriately and was respected in return. The nurses that are nasty to inmates, and there are plenty of them, are nated by the inmates.

Good Luck in your decision!

Up Vote Up Vote ×

There are a lot of misconceptions regarding correctional nursing. Prison vs. Jail: Neither one lets Correction Officers or Sheriff Deputies in the facility armed. Only perimeter and certain secure areas just outside main campuses. Prisons and jails can be much safer than even an ED/ER because there is generally more security in place. Most places give nurses the tools to understand the nature of the environment, the individuals you work with from inmates to correction officers, and some degree of safety training.

I agree, it isn't for everyone, not the faint of heart, or those with preconceived notions regarding incarcerated individuals. Not all are violent offenders, most aren't even "terrible" people. Its not to say that you should chummy up with anyone, just be professional, courteous, and objective as with any other patient/client. Having a desire to work with psychologically and sociologically challenged individuals should be your best guide toward choosing a career in corrections.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

experiences

Up Vote Up Vote ×
+ Add a Comment