Anyone work in Corrections as a LPN

jazzybee36201 · Oct 18, 2008

I have worked as a correctional officer for the last seven years. I have worked in the medical office helping the nurse in our jail for the last three years, but technically, I am still a correctional officer. Last year the nurse suggested that I go to school to obtain my license, and I did. It was the hardest year of my life, because I was still working as a correctional officer while going to school for a lpn. Well i completed this task in august of this year and took the nclex last thursday, and just recieved my letter in the mail today (saturday) letting me know that I passed. Yes! I will be signing a contract, and will be making a little more then what is offered at surrounding hospitals, considering that it is a different setting and a lot of people would not consider working in a jail.Working in a jail is completely different then working in a hospital, but I could not see myself working anywhere else. You have very good days and you have days where you see things that people would not believe. If you would like me to answer any specific questions fire away, and i will try my best to answer them.:)

Colonel_Swizzle · Oct 18, 2008

I cant think of to much to ask right now. But what state do you work in and if you don't mind telling how much are you making? I don't know if you know but what are the daily thinks you would be doing there?

GoosbyLPN · Oct 22, 2008

I thought about that too myself...Is the job dangerous? i know u never know what will happen at work, but being in a correctional facility more things can happen. What is the pay range? Do u know anything about atlanta area?

sunshine69 · Oct 23, 2008

I have worked in corrections as a LPN for the past 18 months. I really like it. It is one of those jobs you either love or hate. The pay is pretty decent for the area I work in but most of the time it really depends on the area you are in.

Things are pretty unpredictable here. You never know what is going to happen. And sometimes staffing becomes an issue because it is hard to fill these spots.

If you have a strong personality but a professional attitude this is the place, but if you are intimidated easily you should check into other options. Females hear a lot of comments that are not always pleasant. If you can shrug them off and go on you will be fine. If you are on of those who will have to have the last word, its not a good place for you, because the better you can ignore them the sooner they will not say those things. They are looking for a reaction. Most of the time I act like I dont hear them and just file a report about the incident and let security deal with the issue.

Any other questions feel free to ask.

GoosbyLPN · Oct 23, 2008

Will they hire new LPN's with no exp? What is the pay rate?

sunshine69 · Oct 23, 2008

Thier ad says they want you have at least one years experience as an LPN, but I know a girl who got hired there before she had a year.

Starting pay was around 18.00 an hour

GoosbyLPN · Oct 23, 2008

Thanks I just want to keep my options open because I don't want the nsg home to be my only option without exp. I know I have to crawl b4 I walk,but just want to keep my options open and get paid well.

By the way where are u located?

uknowulovemexoxo, LPN · Oct 28, 2008

what are the duties of an LVN in a correctional facility? i've seen some job postings online for SoCal area. how is it working there? i'm a new grad. and i wonder if this would be good place to work for 1st job as lvn.

prisonlvnca · Oct 29, 2008

I came back to Ca from getting my LVN in Texas, at the time LVNs were becoming less popular in the hospitals which is what I actually wanted and was new. I started making about $18 and hour working in a great dr office in Napa. I wanted to move up of course so I started working in the prison system as a "state LVN' and made a little more with the added "bonus" of mandatory overtime. I decided to move up again and become a correctional officer/lvn and " MTA" after a year and a half of working in the same facility already. the LVNs in Ca got a higher raise if they were perm/state, but after as little as I had worked there I already topped out- registery nurses make more of course- which i was not. I started as an MTA making $200 more a month with many raises to come with great job security.If you come to the prisons as an LVn your duties are limited mainly to passing meds at a speedy rate. My job has changed to include different nursing and also duties such as handcuffing ect. I am new to nursing and want something more and am considering going back to school. I have a problem with helping like a nurse would do on the outside but almost having to risk being neglectful due to the manipulation inmates do. MTA or LVN in the prison system is for someone willing to let go of your variety of skills and focus on limited things. The work can be easier, the enviornment is hard on you inside. The pay is better if you are registery or do the officer/nursing style job. It has made me a tougher person but a worse nurse in my opinion. I believe corrections could be the last stop for someone who has experienced all they wanted already and want to take it easy -No offense to others- it isn't easy over the board and not for everyone. wishing safety for all.

Rochcole · Oct 30, 2008

I'm a newby to the site and planning the start a private LPN prgrom here in Richmond, VA. Looked at some jobs in the Correction field and in the Nursing Homes, I know I'm jumping ahead of myself but it will give me some comfort to know what kind of money I can make while I'm working so hard to study and pass...What is the pay here for new grads in Corrections and Nursing Homes?...

seasons · Oct 30, 2008

WOW , I plan on attending the LPN program this Jan 08, and I had considering working in a fac such as yours, but I had some doubts.

Keep up the good work.