Juvenile sexual offenders

[marilynmom]

I have applied and got a call this afternoon for a job an an RN in a adolescent sexual offenders program (JSOP for short). I did clinicals in this unit and really enjoyed it and I hope I get the job. I would be working nights, 11p-7am.

Right now I'm working in a PICU so this will be a big change for me if I get this job :) I'm excited to learn new things and work with these boys and the rest of the team.

It's been a lot time since my psych clinicals and I'm trying to brush up on some of the basics. Can anyone recommend some good websites or books specifically about juvenile sexual offenders....common diagnosis, treatment, what as the nurse my role should be, effective communication, etc?

Any advice? Thanks!

[DDRN4me]

we have many perpetrators in our facility..some as young as 5.

first and foremost; just as in PICU, these are children first. Many of their lives have been horror stories worse than you could ever imagine. that is what leads them to becoming perpetrators.

that said; they can also be manipulative like you wouldnt believe.

Be kind but firm; let them know that you truly care and are not just "playing " them. they will know that in a second.

for many of the children in our facility; this is the best care that they have ever received; including with parents.

Our role is different than others since we are nurses. We do care and show it. that often gets us more of a bond (albiet professional ) so that the kids are cooperative with us. They rarely act up in our dept. They know that once they step into our office that we do not tolerate misbehavior. and they respect it.

Good luck!! I bet you will love it ! mary

[marilynmom, LPN, NP]

I had my first day on the unit this week and I liked it. I looked through some of the files and am trying to remember all the boys names, etc. My co-workers were great and I felt welcomed. I have a lot to learn but that's ok. They have me orienting on different shifts and then when I start nights in a couple weeks I will be orienting for a month. I think that sounds pretty good, she said we would take it from there.

Thanks for all your great advice. I wish I wouldn't have sold back my pysch nursing book now! LOL!

Anyone have any websites or recommended reading??

[luv2yoga]

I don't work with kids, I work with adults, but my best advice is to look for the person inside the illness. That's what I really try to do, look beyond their shell of illness and offending behavior. I actually had a discussion about this with a patient today, he was a lawyer before his mental illness got the better of him, and he was talking to me about how sad/scared he is that he's displaying dementia now on top of his schizophrenia. He asked, what should I do? I said, well, what have you thought of trying to do? He gave me a sly smile (which is wonderful to see, something leak out of the mask of schizophrenia) that said "that's what you nurses/therapists always say, and I said, "John, I know that you're a pretty smart guy", he said oh no, I used to be smart. I said, that smart guy is still in there ( and he is).

You don't get to have conversations like that too often, especially at a state facility.

[luv2yoga]

Look at the stickys at the top of this forum for sites. They are not specific to sex offenders, but I thought they were great general psych. The videos especially.