Prison Nursing- what does it involve?

[SuzieVN]

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?

[Emmmm_x]

Hey I'm currently doing a research project on prison nursing just wondered if anyone could offer some insight into it by answering this 2 questionnaire, it would be greatly appreciated :) ----> https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/BPQGRZT

[TriciaJ, RN]

I would generally not recommend corrections nursing for anyone fresh out of school, unless you are a bit older, have thick skin and are particularly astute. The "scum of the earth" mentality is not going to serve you; neither is the idea that they are all misunderstood victims of society. Remember that they have 24 hrs a day to sit around and think up ways to scam you. Believe nothing that you haven't verified.

On the other hand, most were polite and appreciative. I always had a deputy nearby and felt much safer than I ever felt in a hospital. Maintaining professionalism, strong boundaries and strict adherence to protocols is vital. Any bending of the rules or attempting to appease will be your undoing.

[GGirll22]

Good info

[laKrugRN]

Every saint has a past and every sinner has a future. I love being a correctional nurse. This population fascinates me. I am never ever bored in my job. Sure it can be hard, especially when they act up, make vulgar comments etc. But you gotta have strong shoulders to work in this environment. You have to stand your ground with inmates and they will respect you. Treat them with kindness and respect but always be professional. Never let them or YOU cross the line. Many of them make it a goal to get involved with female staff ( I work in a men only prison). As far as attacks, yes nurses at mine have. Guards at mine have. But most of the men in my experience have a protective sense over us female staff. However I'd NEVER EVER trust any of them. Even the nicest one can snap. Don't go into work scared, go into work "aware."

[Tina, RN]

Every saint has a past and every sinner has a future. ...

What a great statement! :)

[DawnJ]

Don't go into work scared, go into work "aware."

I agree. I've only been scared once, and that was with a particular inmate who was acting strangely. In fact, I find myself getting too comfortable and reminding myself that I DO need to be cautious.

I'm in a jail and most of the guys (the women can be labile) act like you'd expect them to if you were in an outside clinic. Polite mostly, sometimes angry because they aren't getting what they are asking for--just like outside the walls. But I remind myself that most are there because they have an anger management issue and/or poor problem solving skills--and that is where the potential for violence enters.

I also had an 18 year old come in last night so drunk he was like Jello. But he still managed to suddenly kick a plastic garbage can at me from 3 feet away. I wasn't hurt, just startled. Turn on the "Mom" voice and then he is bawling because he feels he can't measure up to his siblings and he is a disappointment to his parents. A lot of these folks can seem to be arrested emotionally at childhood or teen years.