[gw6]

Yes, it is usually two or three interviewers. They are interested in knowing if you can follow instructions and ask for help if needed, in my opinion

[runnerbak]

Quick question, most positions for state rn's are salary based, right? if you work over the normal 40 hour work week, overtime that is, you don't get compensated correct? Or do you?

[tirzo13]

you get overtime pay, many nurses now are getting well over 100K now because of overtime.

[Sheri257]

Originally Posted by runnerbak

Quick question, most positions for state rn's are salary based, right? if you work over the normal 40 hour work week, overtime that is, you don't get compensated correct? Or do you?

They can mandate you for overtime, but they have to pay either in extra time off or cash. It's time and a half, double time for holidays. It's set by union contract.

[mtgflyboy]

I have an interview today for an RN position at Donovan. I have mixed emotions about working in a correctional facility, no matter how much money they offer. Would appreciate any feedback (good and bad) from anyone who currently works, or has worked at this facility. How safe are the medical staff? Is being a male RN a positive or negative?
I have been told by a couple of Army buddies who work there that it's "the best kept secret in nursing." Any feedback will be very much appreciated!

[tirzo13]

Originally Posted by mtgflyboy

I have an interview today for an RN position at Donovan. I have mixed emotions about working in a correctional facility, no matter how much money they offer. Would appreciate any feedback (good and bad) from anyone who currently works, or has worked at this facility. How safe are the medical staff? Is being a male RN a positive or negative?
I have been told by a couple of Army buddies who work there that it's "the best kept secret in nursing." Any feedback will be very much appreciated!

I have worked at Donovan.
I think Salinas Valley is a way better run prison, as the federal receiver commented also.
San Diego is my home, and i still quit to come back to SVSP.
Its a safe place to work, in general.
No problem being a male nurse, as i am.
Would not say its the best kept secret in nursing, but the pay is pretty good, and the job is pretty brainless, you will lose alot of skills.
but the hours are pretty undemanding, though the RN's are mandated alot at Donovan, while does not seem like they are at SVSP.

[mtgflyboy]

Originally Posted by tirzo13

I have worked at Donovan.
I think Salinas Valley is a way better run prison, as the federal receiver commented also.
San Diego is my home, and i still quit to come back to SVSP.
Its a safe place to work, in general.
No problem being a male nurse, as i am.
Would not say its the best kept secret in nursing, but the pay is pretty good, and the job is pretty brainless, you will lose alot of skills.
but the hours are pretty undemanding, though the RN's are mandated alot at Donovan, while does not seem like they are at SVSP.

Thanks for the quick and infomative reply! I read in the paper that the salary has been increased to 107K! Is this legit?! I'm not in a position to move right now and, should I be offered a position, want to make sure that "prison life" is right for me! So Donovan will be my only option at present. I didn't become a nurse for the money, but income like that is hard to ignore. How long have you been a Correctional RN? Thanks again!!

[tirzo13]

The federal reciever set the pay.
not sure when it will start, i believe january.
The 107,000 is for the bay area prisons.
CTF, SVSP, San Quintin.
the rest of the state i believe is going to be 97,000, still not bad.
the bay area prisons have a different rate.
If you work in a yard, you will have 3 day weekends every week.
4 ten hour shifts, days, and they don't usually get mandated.

If you work in the CTC/ER its open 24 hours, so you could get a screwed up shift, just like a hospital, and those in the CTC/ER get mandated for overtime, so screws up your plans.

nice thing is you get vested after 5 years with 12.5%, so you could retire at 55.
And no one can really touch the pay.
Outside of the prison pay sucks in san diego.

[BigB]

I am an MTA (LVN/peace officer) at folsom prison. Yes, we are being phased out and being replaced with lvn's. As far as RN's go at folsom, its hit or miss. There are some really lazy ones that don't triage any inmates and just send them all to the doctors line, and there are others that are really good. The back stabbing does happen. And the RN turnover rate is extremely high. 8 RN have come and left during the last 6 months. Most of the RN here are brand new hires. After i do the lvn to rn bridge i will work in a CA prison.

[jassyj]

Originally Posted by BigB

I am an MTA (LVN/peace officer) at folsom prison. Yes, we are being phased out and being replaced with lvn's. As far as RN's go at folsom, its hit or miss. There are some really lazy ones that don't triage any inmates and just send them all to the doctors line, and there are others that are really good. The back stabbing does happen. And the RN turnover rate is extremely high. 8 RN have come and left during the last 6 months. Most of the RN here are brand new hires. After i do the lvn to rn bridge i will work in a CA prison.

BigB, are the state lvn's getting paid less than MTA's.