[sidney82]

I was just wondering if anyone out there has or does work in a prison, what do u think of it? Even if u don't is it a good job for a nurse?

I was considering a move to a prison hospital, i've heard its good if you can get your head around working with criminals all day, some of which may have committed horrible crimes but u still have to be unjudgemental and compassionate...

[peds_cna]

It could be an interesting job I suppose, but I would worry about my safety some.

[EricEnfermero]

Sidney,

I moved your thread to the Correctional Nursing Forum so that you get the most responses. Good luck to you.

[bngorn]

I worked in LA County Jail for 11 mon, no longer. It's ok, just slow. I am not used to grown men acting worse than my 4 y/o. It's a crazy environment. Remember you are a guest in the Deputies house, they run everything. Make sure you CHART, CHART, AND CHART. Don't get side tracked by the way other nurses chart. It's a good job if you are ready for something slow paced and retirement. Just be careful if you plan to work in the prisons, I heard a lot of crazy stuff about working in there. GOODLUCK

[nancykday]

Originally Posted by sidney82

I was just wondering if anyone out there has or does work in a prison, what do u think of it? Even if u don't is it a good job for a nurse?

I was considering a move to a prison hospital, i've heard its good if you can get your head around working with criminals all day, some of which may have committed horrible crimes but u still have to be unjudgemental and compassionate...

I have worked in corrections for 11 years, I feel more safe and secure than when I worked in the hospital enviroment. In prison you know who the " bad guys/girls are". You are very security-minded in prison and as long as you don't check your common sense at the gate, you are very secure, and you will security around to watch your back.
I had been assulted many time in my hospital career, I have never been physically assulted since I have worked in corrections,

[MadisonsMomRN]

When I started corrections I had the same issues. I have only been in corrections for 8 months and I really like it. I work in a state prison (with all males) and a county jail. I never thought I would end up being a correctional nurse but it turns out that I really enjoy it.

I do treat them with respect as long as I get the same respect back. I never turn my back on them though. Safety is always the priority.

[Nrsndlz1]

I worked in corrections for 10 years and love it. I feel safer working "inside" than in many other medical facilities. There are many challenges to correctional nursing but it is never dull and you really learn a lot.

[nursinunderpressure]

I work in a maximum security prison. I feel more safe there than I did at the hospital. I know most facilities don't have this, but we each have our own radios, that are assigned to us personally, that have body alarms. So, if I hit the button on my body alarm, they know who I am and where I am and they send assistance immediately. Again, as others have stated, you need to be aware of your surroundings and don't become complacent. I, too, have been assaulted as a nurse.. but not in the prison.

[kixboxx]

I Work In State Prison ,and Feel Very Safe ,show Respect And You Will Earn Some By Inmate/patients And The Officers ,just Always B Aware Of Your Surroundings,and Keep Your Whistle With You

[texascowgirl]

do you work a TDCJ unit or a privatized prison here in TX?

Originally Posted by nursinunderpressure

I work in a maximum security prison. I feel more safe there than I did at the hospital. I know most facilities don't have this, but we each have our own radios, that are assigned to us personally, that have body alarms. So, if I hit the button on my body alarm, they know who I am and where I am and they send assistance immediately. Again, as others have stated, you need to be aware of your surroundings and don't become complacent. I, too, have been assaulted as a nurse.. but not in the prison.