[katscan]

This is so depressing to read negative comments about other nurses and their so called "imcompetence". Maybe they just have not had enought opportunities to perfect their skills. Maybe because it's because I work in a school-but how about helping others, and doing some teaching(if they are receptive) instead or criticizing?

[JedsMom]

I've been a correctional nurse for going on 9 years now. I was and ER and ICU nurse prior to moving to corrections. I didn't move because I was a less than perfect nurse. I moved because it afforded me a day job with weekends and holidays off. It didn't hurt either that I had been a cop prior to going to nursing school and becoming a RN.

IMHO correctional nursing is a very challenging area to practice in. You must utilize all of your nursing skills and respond to a wide variety of situations. You must be prepared to handle anything from a medical emergency to a psychiatric emergency. You must be able to deal with men, women and juveniles. We handle anything from teenagers with ADD to the elderly with Alzheimers.

So far as nursing specialties go, Correctional Nursing is one of the most diverse, IMHO. You never know what your next patient may present with, but when they do, you better be prepared to pull from your nursing knowledge to handle and treat the situation in an appropriate manner. Did I mention an inmates propensity to sue? So, you better get it right, or at the very least have made a decision that any "prudent nurse" would have done or you very well may find yourself in the middle of a lawsuit.

Are there bad nurses or less than perfect nurses in Corrections? Yes. Are there any in other nursing areas? Yes. We all have strengths and weaknesses. What we need to do is work with one another and benefit from these strengths instead of putting down a particular nursing group.

In my situation we have a wonderful working relationship with the nurses in the hospital that we send patients to. We work together to give the best patient care possible. They don't treat us a less of a nurse because we choose corrections. They look at us as an ally in nursing care for the inmate population.

And as said before, we must also deal with issues unique to correctional nursing such as security problems, hostile, dangerous or manipulative inmates, etc.

I am not ashamed to be a correctional nurse. We are by no means the last stop on the nursing train or the bottom of the barrel. As a matter of fact, IMHO, no area of nursing would fit that description. We are all important the the profession we call nursing. Just let one of the spokes (nursing specialty) be removed and see how fast we have to shuffle to take up the slack to keep the wheel turning. Sorry for such a long post, I'm usually pretty much quiet.

[Stargazer]

JedsMom: excellent post. And wow, have you had an interesting career! May I ask what made you leave law enforcement for nursing?

[JedsMom]

Thanks. My husband and I were both in law enforcement. We were both working full-time as cops and part-time security to make ends meet. Needless to say that isn't a great way to raise a family. I always in my heart since I was in high school wanted to be a nurse. My husband said go for it so I did. He supported me through school by working several part-time jobs in addition to working full-time. In the summers I worked and when I could I got a nurse tech position. Sure don't regret it. Love nursing.

[Stargazer]

What a nice hubby! Well, we're glad to have you.

[JedsMom]

Thanks so much. I love it here, so many smart brains to pick!!

[ITSJUSTMEZOE]

HMMM Your comments make me wonder, just how superior you hold yourself? Maybe you are uncomfortable with where you are? There will be mistakes in any departments.... so assuming that if you work corrections , your on the last ditch efforts of saving what career you have left, your highly mistaken..... I have met many that work so independently , that they surpass any expectations that I thought they would have. Very crafty people... can pick a liar up before the mouth even opens... but also some of the most compassionate people as well. Unjudgemental, and concerned with the well being of all. Maybe you just need to relocate... and if you think traveling is your area... Word of advice from a traveler... Lose the attitude, it will be picked up by a staff member immediately and you will be flamed in no time flat, and there is nothing faster than a nurse who hates you anyway because you make more money for the same job, but if you come with attitude you will be a scobby snack, at hello.
Zoe

[nurs010]

I don't know where all of you are nursing, but I will say that Correctional Nursing in my experience is some of the best nursing there is. I have been in two facilities and learned more about nursing than any of my hospital work. I believe that correctional nursing is a challenge that few understand and have the patients to take up. Good luck back in the ER.

[graybar hilton]

Please stay out of IL if you plan to travel as a nurse. We seem to have our share of negativity without adding one more sour puss.
I am surprised that you are still alive, intact and still employed by corrections with that attitude.
If you are talking to inmates the way you sound in this BB, you are only fostering distrust, disrepect and risking your safety, as well as that of your peers.
If you are that burnt out then get out!!!!!!!! You are a liability to the rest of the staff.

[sjoe]

Another gentle reminder that this BB has a very useful "Ignore" feature. Simply click on "profile" of any message by someone you don't want to read any more, then select "put this person on my ignore list," and presto--you'll never see another post by that person ever again (after you leave the BB and then return, that is).
Liberal use of this feature can reduce irritation, and is HIGHLY recommended.