[PHNJaymee]

Hello everyone,

Just wanted to say thanks first off to all of these wonderful threads! I have been reading them vigorously trying to get an idea what it's really like to work with inmates and I'e really got some good information (more than anywhere else)...

Anyways, my question may be silly, but oh well, why not ask with all this wonderful advice. So.. I have an interview as a correctional nurse (RN) at Folsom Prison on Tues. morning. I'm not totally nervous (more kind of excited in a sick way and have no idea what to expect) but my question is, should I dress as if I were going to a regular interview? I am a nice looking woman, get hit on often (not to sound snobby AT ALL)... I am far from that... I just imagine that alone could be problematic in this area.

I wasn't planning on wearing a suit or anything, but a nice solid pastel button up with greay slacks and black 2" boots. I wear very little make-up, but do a little, especially if I dress it up for whatever reason (an interview)

Any other advice is appreciated.. although I think I'm probably better off just giving it my best without knowing what to expect or having expectations. I've read enough from these threads to give me a good idea of what they probably desire in a nurse on the actual job.

So, any advice on the interview dress code? Treat it as any other? Thanks

[sharrie]

I alway dress smartly for an interview and would imagine that where in the interview was would make little difference. Your outfit sounds just fine.

Good luck, let us know how you get on

[PHNJaymee]

Thanks Sharrie,

I stuck with the outfit and I think it worked out just fine. I was confident and not too nervous.

It was a pretty intense interview, just the whole deal, driving up over that hill and seeing the grounds, and the process of it all. I was interviewed by 2, one supervisor, and the other I honestly didn't know her role, but think she was the manager. I got a mirriad of scenarios from suicides to OD, ER type scenarios, prioritizing inmates from a fight, etc.

All in all, I think I did well. They nodded thier heads a lot as I answered, and there was nothing that completely threw me off. One med which I didn't know (she said well.. what will you do?) Of course I said look it up.. And if I felt I didn't know what else to say, I just kept saying, assess, continue to monitor, get help, etc.

The most difficult part was not knowing really knowing the setting and what tools I had. They coached me a little, and weren't too hard on me. It was deff. a serious tone though.

I'll tell you what, reading these threads could have made the difference between me getting this job and not. Little things like they can't have scisors, pens, anything's a weapon, etc. really helped me word my answers to this settting.. Narcan.... deffinetly got that scenario right.

It sounded like there are a couple postitions open, and I guess they're looking for psych nurses too.. So I'll keep em' crossed but do feel confident! Thanks again to all, and I'll keep ya in tune! They told me to call next week as the director is on vacation.

[Notmywil]

Don't wear anything sleeveless...this is not allowed. (I suppose bare arms must be considered provocative?

[DiegoRN]

I would like to learn more about the opportunities available as a correctional nurse. Can someone tell me what type of nursing assignments are available at a prison? I live in the San Francisco bay area and San Quintin is close by.

Also, I would like to know what type of nursing experience would be most valued by those doing the hiring. I have emergency nursing experience but that was many years ago, I have been working as a case manager for large insurance companies and the tedium is killing me.

Any assistance would be most appreciated.

Diego

[psychonurse]

Sounds like you hit the nail on the head on your interview. They don't really expect you to know a scenerio would go in a prison, it is a lot different than regular nursing. I mean when you get a patient ready to go to the hospital, they just can't pick them up and haul them out unless it is a extreme emergency. They have to be checked before they go out whether they are having chest pain or not....sometimes that makes it a little intense and you want to get them out but we have to keep the officers and community safe.

When we are looking for new nurses it really doesn't matter where you have worked before, all types of nursing is needed in corrections. We do a lot of psych nursing and many places have diaylsis units. You never know what is going to walk through your fron door and when they call you for a man-down you never know what you are going to find at the other end. All types of nursing is needed and you will learn the rest when you are there. I can remember when I started I didn't like working with the psych patients but I have gotten pretty good at it in 19 years. I love my job and I love going to work every day.

[DiegoRN]

Thank all of you that have responded to this link ..thread. The information will certainly help at the interview and on the job. The more I read the more excited I get about this new adventure in my life. Thanks to all again. Hope to see you on the ...........inside.
Diego

[psychonurse]

Please let us know what happens with your interview, it will make a great change in your life I am sure.

Sonya

[PHNJaymee]

Well I was offered the position and accepted!

7300$/mos. starting salary at Ca. State Prison, Folsom. That's 87k a year! I'm a 28 y/o single mom and this is my first real assignment. I have been working as a PHN for Sacramento County, but due to a lame azz "hiring freeze"/budget crisis I have been stuck at an intern level (12$ and hour)... that's 1400 to 7300/mos. I honestly can't really imagine what it's gonna be like. I can't wait to pay stuff off!

On the other note, I am preparing mentally for the unknown. I just saw this video and wish I didn't of an inmate who killed his mother, and also a prison councelor. But then I read these positive threads and don't feel so bad. Just tired of the negative comments from everyone and glad to hear some people enjoy this job.

Does anyone know of that book "In the mind of inmates" or sociopath... something on those lines? Or any recomended psych literature to prepare?

Thanks so much for the support guys! I'm soo glad I found this place. And good luck Diego! Sounds like it could very well be in your future

[sharrie]

That's excellent news, I've been watching the thread hoping you would let us know.

Well done, and good luck