Ageism in Corrections?

[Macruzer36]

I'm interested in correctional nursing (not necessarily that because I think I would be good at it, but it interests me and I hear benefits are great). However, I'm concerned that I would not be taken seriously a) at an interview or b) by inmates/other staff as I am quite young and have a small frame. Being petite and looking like I'm 19 (I'm 27), and thinking about the possibility of becoming pregnant in a couple of years makes me wonder whether I'd even be considered a good fit or be safe from the very legitimate risks of working in a prison.

[ocean.baby]

I have worked with many petite nurses in corrections that were great. It is dependent upon your attitude, setting and maintaining boundaries, and professionalism. Do NOT discuss your personal life under any circumstances. It is not their business if you are married, have or want kids, your education, likes and dislikes, etc. Go ahead and apply - it is a great career!

[ashagreyjoy]

Its all in how you present and carry yourself. Behave respectfully and assert yourself that everyone else (including Corrections officers) behave respectfully to you. Professionalism and consistency and boundaries are my shield and armor in Corrections.

["nursy", RN]

Whether you are taken seriously or not has nothing to do with how you look and everything to do with how you present yourself and how you behave. During orientation you will be given extensive training on how to deal with inmates. If you do everything as instructed, you will be fine. If, however, you start crossing lines, you will get in trouble fast.

[Orca, ADN, ASN, RN]

I manage a staff of about 50 people. Several of my nurses are petite females. They are among my most productive and effective staff. As others have said, it's about how you conduct yourself. Stature and appearance have nothing to do with how effective that you will be in this environment.

[Dave_In_Florida, ADN, LPN, RN]

It really depends on your hiring manager, if they perceive you will be a problem based on how you act and look.

I would suggest not looking overly made-up during your interview, and not acting overly enthusiastic. I know this may seem unfair, or sexist, or whatever outrage people feel the need to have today, but managers want to avoid problems. So if they perceive you as not a problem, you are more likely to get the job.

The flip side of this is correction nursing is usually lacking in willing participants, so they may hire you simply because you showed up for the interview.