advice for new corrections nurse

sparksmar · May 23, 2014

I have been a correctional nurse for 3 years and I want to start out by saying it has been one of the most rewarding things in my life. When I first started in this field, the manager told me straight up "You will know in 3 days or less if you love this job or you hate it. How you feel about it from that day forward will never change."

I thought it sounded stupid at the time, but it makes sense now. The rate of turn over for correctional nurses is pretty high, so the second thing I want to say is Go in with a positive attitude. Do not be frightened of ANYONE (except the warden/jailer haha). But seriously, as long as you aren't skittish around them deputy and inmates, you will do great.

Manipulation (also called malingering in nursing) is a serious issue in our field. It's fairly easy to tell when someone is malingering. The most common complaint I get is chest pain, bc they want to be sent out for evaluation. But in this field you mostly need to use your judgement. Are they diaphoretic, shakey? Are their vitals close to baseline, do they have any chronic conditions, have they complained of this before? Over time you can "feel out" who is trying to manipulate you and who is actually ill.

Trust your deputies to help you out. Generally they know the inmates better than anyone else. They will often times give you a heads up if they think the inmate is manipulating. And in my experience they are right 99% of the time.

I'm sure you will do great! Go in with confidence (even if you might be terrified, I know I was!), treat every inmate fairly and be consistent with them.

http://Http://forums.officer.com/t94304/

Read this story titled The Drowning of a Duck, it will also help you! Best of luck to you, update us and let us know how it goes.

sparksmar · May 23, 2014

Also as a small thought

*NEVER turn your back to an inmate no matter how nice they are

*When addressing a sick call with an inmate stand with your feet a little wider than normal. It makes you a little more balanced which will help if they try to knock you over or physically aggress you in any way.

*Keep a hot eye on your diabetics!!! They will take the lancets for shanks and the alcohol pads to make liquor, so make certain the supplies are disposed of in the appropriate containers.

*Inmates hear every word you say, and will repeat it verbatim to whoever your don't want to hear it.

*Suicide attempts will happen, and depending on where you are located so will overdoses. By the way it sounds you are seasoned in emergencies (:

* Trust your instincts (:

mchristensen5 · May 23, 2014

Wow!!!! Thank you so much sparksmar!! Your advice is so appreciated and I will definitely make note of it and use it daily. I know without a doubt that your words will be extremely helpful to me. Thanks!!

jagged777 · May 23, 2014

Thanks for this. I just got hired for a lpn per diem position in correctional facility too.

sparksmar · May 23, 2014

Not a problem! Let us know how it goes. I hope you enjoy your new job. Feel free to ask me anything else (:

mge9450 · May 23, 2014

Good info in this thread - I'm interested in corrections too. Thanks for sharing :)

upnosalt · Jul 16, 2014

In the interest of keeping this thread alive, I encourage nurses who are new to correctional nursing to return and post suggestions, advice, warnings, critique, about their own fresh on-the-job training that they now are wiser to, won't repeat and will know to be aware of.

Safety is priority, and The Drowning of a Duck serves well to comprehend the complexities of their (inmates) manipulation. It supports my foundational belief that to err on the side of paranoia, as far as inmates' intentions and agenda, is in the best interest of everyone.

PG2018 · Jul 17, 2014

Also as a small thought
*NEVER turn your back to an inmate no matter how nice they are
*When addressing a sick call with an inmate stand with your feet a little wider than normal. It makes you a little more balanced which will help if they try to knock you over or physically aggress you in any way.
*Keep a hot eye on your diabetics!!! They will take the lancets for shanks and the alcohol pads to make liquor, so make certain the supplies are disposed of in the appropriate containers.
*Inmates hear every word you say, and will repeat it verbatim to whoever your don't want to hear it.
*Suicide attempts will happen, and depending on where you are located so will overdoses. By the way it sounds you are seasoned in emergencies (:
* Trust your instincts (:

The needle from a lancet can be used to make tattoo equipment as well.

Anna S, RN · Jul 19, 2014

An inmate I work with took the spring out of a ball point pen, straightened a bit of it, sharpened the end on concrete, and tattooed himself w/ it.

crispycritter · Jul 26, 2014

Also remember that the inmates working in your office hear EVERYTHING that is said, will use the info on yard in some way or another. Always make sure med room is locked and secured even if leaving for a few minutes, never let working inmates in med room alone, empty your own trash. Lol If having problem with watch and swallows, ask CO to assist for double check, inmates are pros at cheeking meds and will sell anything on yard!

esca2006 · Oct 6, 2016

Great info everyone, thank you! I'll also be starting as a new correctional RN and these tidbits of info are so helpful. There are a lot of do this, not that, be firm, don't be caught up in being groomed...seems like a lot all at once but I'm sure I'll "get it" once I've been working for a few months.