Any Nurses Working In Florida Correctional Facilities Near Tampa??

Specialties Correctional

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Are there any nurses on this discussion board in working in correctional facilities near Tampa, FL?

I applied for my license in FL and want to relocate in or around Tampa. Anyone from that area???

Thanks!......Gary

Specializes in ER, ICU, Nursing Education, LTC, and HHC.
Hi Blackcat,

Actually in a lot of ways it's absurd to think of giving an inmate a backrub although I would certainly give an elderly dying inmate confined to the bed a backrub. The younger healthy ones could forget it. They can get their cell buddy to give them a backrub.

I actually like your sense of humor. It's like backrubs??? What's next happy hour at 5:00 with 50 cent draft beer???

I sometimes get disgusted at some of the liberties given to inmates knowing that they get free medical care when there are millions of elderly people in this country who can barely afford health care but I always keep in mind that it's not my job to worry about that.

And I can't totally blame the inmates. This country developed a prison system that puts people in prison over the slightest infraction and since we do that it is then up to the taxpayers to support the prison system which includes free food, shelter, and health care. But then again inmates actually pay my salary. It's funny though because I pay taxes to support prisons and prisons turn around and pay my salary.

Please take no offense at anything I write although I do have high standards about nursing care no matter who it is.

Gary

Gary: Here in Florida, inmates are charged 2.00 a day, and they have no tv and cannot smoke in our prison systems.

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Specializes in ER, ICU, Nursing Education, LTC, and HHC.
:eek: :eek: :eek: Tampa area!! Please be careful! I had a friend who use to live in Tampa and she said that the Tampa area is a very high crime area. Best of Luck to you.:p

Hi Blackcat: I wish to comment that crime can happen anywhere at anytime, and do not think Tampa is that high of crime as compared to Miami, Ft. Lauderdale,or even West Palm Beach... and mostly the very southern portions of Florida, (especially due to mexican and cuban influx to those areas.) TIP: Learn to shoot safely and get a Florida Concealed Weopns license. Then you can legally carry a handgun on your person at all times, in case of a time of need, you might be glad you had this added backup of protection.

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Specializes in Corrections, Psych, Crisis Stabilization.

I have been in the Florida Dept of Corrections for about 4 years. I ABSOLUTELY love it. I enjoy the pay. By the way the pay can be very good there.

I love what I do. I have only had one imate disrespect me. He then apologized the next day. When I asked my orderly what was up with that, the orderly told me that the other imates threatened to cut his throat if he did not apologize or do it again. Its all about respect. I respect them. I do not want to know what their crimes are, its none of my business. I treat them all the same. I dont judge, I render treatment. So yes, if a Dr's order requests me to give a therapeutic massage to a 25 year old with poor circulation, then yes, I will do that. Does it matter if he killed his Mother, Brother and Aunt? I am sure it does to someone but not me. I am there to do a job.

In Corrections, Gary I am sure you understand, its all about respect. I earned my "stripes" when I was called to a stabbing. We did all we could for that guy (Nurses only...imagine that!). He did not make it. After they took him off, I kinda stood outside the dorm where I thought no one could see me and I cried (yes, first timer). The inmates saw that, and from a 3 story dorm I heard "Miss ----, you did the right thing, its ok".

Just respect the inmates and they will respect you. Be firm and consistent. Do not give in. They will try you the first couple of times, but hold it together and stay firm.

By the way, Florida Dept of Corrections has a "No Negotiation" policy. In the event that you are taken hostage and the inmates demand that they are given a free trip out of there or its your life, then DOC says use your tatical skills. They will not negotiate. You only have your level of respect to keep you alive and safe. I have a wonderful Travel Nurse buddy who was at a Prison when a riot happened, it was her and 2 guards and 200 inmates(other officers cannot respond without the Tactical Response team). She says some of the inmates were saying they were going to rape and kill her, when 2 inmates picked her up and locked her in a cell by herself so that no one could harm her. God Bless them.

A wise Prison Nurse once told me that "God may have brought you here, but its the inmates that let you go home."

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