accepted lpn correctional job

winsomehill · Apr 20, 2009

I know there is a big difference in different parts of the country. I am in Vermont. I've been working for 6 months as a nurse in a prison. I went directly to corrections after school. I'll give you a rough idea of what I do. I transfer orders doctors write out to the monthly M.A.R.'s. I pass meds. I give shots. I dress wounds. I respond to emergency's in the units....those usually consist of someone cutting up. There are people of all ages and so you have emergencies just relating to routine health issues of an aging population. Lots of mental health issues, so guys on mental health meds, suicide attempts, and needing to keep your boundaries solid. A little kindness goes a long way. I have never felt threatened. Be sure and treat your officers with the greatest respect...they are protecting you and deserve that respect! I try to advocate for the inmates, if I notice something that they don't seem to be getting I follow through with communicating with the doc if necessary etc.

Good luck!

justasweety · May 12, 2009

I have nearly 5 years corrections experience. The first rule I stand by is follow the rules. DO NOT give ANYTHING not on the MAR or allowed by standing orders. Even a simple Tylenol can come back to haunt you. Next, stand by your word, If you are doing med pass and something isn't right (inmate states he/she should be receiving a med) and you say you will check on it then do it. Don't blow smoke. Last, you are not there to be judge and jury but you are also not there to baby. Be professional, fair, and consistent. Corrections is not for everyone. I personally do well in that enviroment, but I can completely understand where others do not. I would have an anxiety attack if I am told I have to work with pediatrics..lol..oh...and sometimes dealing with the officers can be harder than dealing with the inmates...lol. Oh, last of all, don't be shocked at what you might see, a tough hide can make it a little easier..lol

baldeisa · May 18, 2009

Do LPN correctional nurses work alone w/o being under the supervision of a RN?

HisTreasure, BSN, RN · May 22, 2009

In most states LPNs are under the supervision of an RN at all times, even if s/he is a house RN or a remote worker overseeing 1-2 houses/facilities.

baldeisa · May 25, 2009

what the probability of getting attacked by an inmate?

winsomehill · May 25, 2009

In my prison I would think it would be very unlikely. (Vermont maximum security men's prison).

NurseLite · Jun 3, 2009

I currently work as an LPN, on the nightshift (12 hour shifts) and I love it. I have been here just over 3 years and even though I have experience in many other fields (was a medical assistant for 15 years prior to going back to school) and I couldn't picture myself doing anything else.

Always remember to treat your patients as PATIENTS not INMATES ... that is the deputies job. Don't judge, and treat them with respect and how you would want to be treated. If they ask for meds that are not on their MAR, (depending on your facilities protocols) DON'T GIVE IT TO THEM. Document, document and did I say document?

Corrections is a much looked over part of public health, but can be very rewarding!

Good luck!

~Amy

Murse901, MSN, RN · Jun 9, 2009

I would clarify what the previous poster said and state that you should treat all your patients as PSYCH PATIENTS and not inmates. I say that because you're going to be dealing with the most manipulative folks in the history of manipulative folks, and inmates have nothing but time on their hands to conjure up elaborate illnesses.

Having said that, I love it, and there's no way in hell I would go from working corrections back to something like a Med/Surg unit. Yes, you will deal with crazy/upset/violent/whiny people who probably needed a good spanking as a child, but you can make some positive changes in some people's lives. Much of this population has had little or no medical care prior to incarceration and you may be the first person to educate them on whatever medical condition(s) they have.

As for the chances of being assaulted by an inmate, it depends on your population and security, and most importantly how you treat the inmates. If you're fair and consistent, you won't have many problems. If you treat everyone like dirt, you'll probably need to watch your back. But in general, the inmates know that medical personnel are some of the only ones that are going to do anything good for them, so there's little motivation for them to do anything to medical staff.

The only true caveat that I have for you is that, being a new graduate, you honestly should not be working in corrections to start out. You need a great BS meter and even better assessment skills. Find a great nurse and latch onto him/her so that you can pick up on those critical skills.