[hotob]

I have been a Labor and Delivery Nurse for 8 years and now it's time for a change. I have always wanted to explore the field of corrections and now i have a real opportunity to accept a night shift position in the state prison. Any advise? It seems like quite a switch from Labor (birth) to corrections - the similarities would be thinking on your feet, able to react quickly. I just wander how much I have forgotten in trauma pshych and other nursing skills being in such specialized field all these years. Anything you can tell me i would appreciate. Any good books to read? I am afraid I am so used to the "hospiality" way of maternity field, I may be too trusting in corrections environment. Am I thinking of getting myself into too much? Thank you

[RN.38SPCL]

Nothing will change, you'll still be delivering babies.

[hotob]

???? It's a men's prison...

[RN.38SPCL]

Originally Posted by hotob

???? It's a men's prison...

I'm kidding. You'll see what I mean after awhile. Men are the biggest babies. You'll like it, it's not a hard job.

[hotob]

Any advice on the second interview on Thursday? We are meeting in the prison (I really liked my phone interview with the DON). Never been to prison before... How about some advice on carrying myself, dressing, etc. I don't want to present myself in a way that puts me in any disadvantageous position with coworkers or CO's or inmates....oh my!

[RN.38SPCL]

you'll do fine. dress business casual as you would for any professional interview. no one has to teach you how to be a nurse. you got that down. the prison/jail is what you'll be learning. i read a book when i started corrections. i forget the name, but it was written by an inmate, a commander and a prison english teacher. oh, it was "Games criminals play and how you can benefit by knowing them" something like that. it may not be in print, i bought it off amazon.com. maybe someone here knows what i mean. the best advice i can give you is "your patients, they are all liers, watch your back" it's like being a lion tamer in a circus. they are never really tame. if your assesssment skills weren't sharp before, they will be now.

[VegRN]

Oh yes, "Games criminals play". That book is the best.

You will want to review assessment of pts with chest pain, seizures and those whom present as unconscious since lots of the inmates will be trying these tricks to win a trip to the ER. Make sure you know what should be there as well as what shouldn't. It will take time to refine your skills. And be very familiar with the P&P at your facility.

And what RN.38SPCL said is for the most part true. Many of the inmates are lying or exaggerating for some benefit to themselves. It will take awhile to hone your skills but after awhile you will notice patterns and get a "gut feeling" for things.

Oh, and as an added bonus, you will laugh your butt off most days at work. The things that inmates do are often hilarious.

[nancykday]

If you accept the job in corrections, learn and follow established P&P for the facility, they are written for a reason. Do not deviate from the policy, that is your biggest lifeline in corrections. The DOC will back you up, only if you follow the policies. Hone your assesment skill, and remember if something doesn't seem right, follow your instincts. It is an inmates job to try and scam you. They have nothing to do all day, but to try and beat the system. All things considered, I love correctional nursing. And remember, you always know who the bad people are.