[RN IN KY]

Tomorrow I will be starting a job as a corrections nurse. Does anyone have any tips for me? I have been a nurse 6 years. I have mostly worked as a cardiology nurse. I am excited,but nervous as I take on this new role.

[CMooreRN]

I have been doing it for 9 years. So glad I took the leap from hospital nursing when I did....

Hope you like it - nothing compares to it!
Cristi

[Jarnaes]

Just follow the rules, know what you can and cannot do. Some inmates love to challenge, intimidate or try to manipulate new staff. You will meet some interesting characters. You will also see everything you ever studied in psych and abnormal psych up close and personal- in your face. It's like a living case study. Hopefully the facility will give you a good orientation period and a preceptor. Are you working with males or females? And which custody level?
Anyway, correctional nursing is a lot of fun. Good luck to you.

[gw6]

Remember that you are there to make money, not friends!

[CMooreRN]

Originally Posted by gw6

Remember that you are there to make money, not friends!

And not money from your new friends! LOL:groupwelcome:

[RN IN KY]

Thanks for everyone's advise! I oriented two days this week and really enjoyed it. I think it will be very interesting to say the least!

[ladyff1481]

I've been a corrections nurse in 2 state prisons in NY since 2202. Always be on your guard, know where the nearest door is and never be alone with an inmate.

Originally Posted by RN IN KY

Tomorrow I will be starting a job as a corrections nurse. Does anyone have any tips for me? I have been a nurse 6 years. I have mostly worked as a cardiology nurse. I am excited,but nervous as I take on this new role.

[MAP1]

Hi, my best advice for you is to not discuss anything personal to an inmate. You would be surprized how much you can accidentally allow out in conversation. Stay strictly professional. Watch where you park your car -stay out of view from inmates when coming and going - otherwise best of luck and I am glad you are enjoying the new position

[Mirth]

Never take anything from an inmate, never give anything to an inmate.

You are not there to make friends. Not with inmates, not with officers.

Keep your personal life PERSONAL.

You always had a GREAT day off. Even if you didn't.

Be honest with the inmate. If you can not, you can not. There are no maybes.

They have the right to refuse. Let them.

[kennyfanKY]

Hi,
I am from KY as well and have an interview with the county jail this week for an RN position. I only have a year's clinical experience, and share all the common concerns a new corrections nurse would have I'm sure. Would love to hear your latest take on your job.