working at prison

Specialties Correctional

Published

hi everyone. I just started working at a prison in california. I know when i was hired they told me not to take my cell phone inside. but I've seen alot of the nurses that have been working there for a while take their phones inside. does anyone know if you get searched? I'm thinking about taking my phone inside too

Silverdragon102, BSN

1 Article; 39,477 Posts

Specializes in Medical and general practice now LTC.

moved to the Correctional Nursing forum

sadie252

15 Posts

I would NEVER take a cell phone into the prison. At some prisons, it is grounds for termination. What if an inmate got your phone? He/she would have access to all of your personal phone numbers. If you have a smart phone, the inmate could possibly get your financial information. At my facility, not even the warden can bring in a cell phone. At my facilty, we get random pat downs. Why do you feel the need to take in your cell phone? I am sure you can make or receive emergency calls if needed.

Do not take your phone into work. If an inmate swiped your phone and was later found with it they may say you gave it to them. Then you could find yourself fighting trafficking charges.

At my facility a cell phone is considered contraband and bringing one into the facility is grounds for immediate termination. The convenience of having your cell phone with you at work is not worth the consequences of getting caught with it or potentially losing it in the facility. The fact that "everyone else" brings their phone in will not excuse you if an inmate gets their hands on yours.

heron, ASN, RN

4,136 Posts

Specializes in Hospice.

I only worked corrections briefly but wanted to emphasize what the more experienced nurses here have said ... don't do it. In my facility, everyone got a pat-down on arrival. The policy was put in place after an inmate used a contraband cellphone to order up a "hit" on an enemy. Don't worry about the other staff ... give your family the dept phone number for emergencies.

Specializes in Oncology, Psych, Corrections.

Don't do it. Here in Florida it is immediate termination and also a felony! It isn't worth it :)

It seems like at every facility, prison or not, there are things that staff are not supposed to do but you still see them doing it. For example, I work nights and see people falling asleep ALL the time which I know should be immediate termination. I, personally, will never go against what I know is the right thing to do perhaps because I don't think I'm as lucky as the other rule-breakers but also I wouldn't want to put my career in jeopardy.

abitangalvn

2 Posts

It seems like at every facility, prison or not, there are things that staff are not supposed to do but you still see them doing it. For example, I work nights and see people falling asleep ALL the time which I know should be immediate termination. I, personally, will never go against what I know is the right thing to do perhaps because I don't think I'm as lucky as the other rule-breakers but also I wouldn't want to put my career in jeopardy.

Can u tell me what the pay rate is for a LVN in State prisions?:nurse: Just curious because I recieve e-mails about open positions at San Quentin and CSP & CMF. Thanks!

Specializes in Corrections, Education, Med/Surg, AGNP-HIV.
Can u tell me what the pay rate is for a LVN in State prisions?:nurse: Just curious because I recieve e-mails about open positions at San Quentin and CSP & CMF. Thanks!

Go tohttp://changingprisonhealthcare.org/

All the information you need is there.

Specializes in substance abuse, psych, LTC, corrections.

Follow the rules that were set down when you got hired. Breaking the rule about a cellphone lends me to wonder what other rules you might be willing to break.

docnurse363

13 Posts

It's a felony in okla. Not a good idea even if it was allowed it could put you in a lot of trouble if an inmate found out. Big Target for their games they love to play.

Specializes in Emergency Department.

You can't go 12 hours without having to check your cell phone??? :rolleyes:

BTW, the only people that can have cell phones inside the Sally Ports are those that are issued by the prison.

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