basic training programs required for corrections?

For the Federal Bureau of Prisons, we take a 5 week introduction to corrections course - 2 weeks at our institution and 3 weeks at the Federal Law Enforcement Training Center. For the second part, we have to take a physical abilities test which is as follows:

1. run 1/4 mile and handcuff someone (non-resisting) in 2 and 1/2 minutes

2. climb a ladder, find an item of contraband, climb down in 7 seconds

3. drag a 75 pound dummy 694 feet in 3 minutes

4. climb up and down 3 flights of stairs a certain number of times (I don't remmeber how many) in a certain time frame wearing a 30 pound pack

5. complete an obstacle course - unlock a door, go through, lock the door, go over a desk, go under a table, go around some chairs, unlock a door, enter a cell, touch a certain object then backtrack all of this in a time of about 2-3 minutes

While these tasks are difficult, they are doable for almost anyone. No pass, no job - at least that's what they say. In difficult to fill posts (i.e., health care), your regional director can waive this requirement - some regions routinely do so, but mine does not.

The test is designed to simulate tasks that a correctional worker might need to do in an emergency. The Bureau considers all staff to be correctional workers first and their job (nurse, teacher, etc.) second. Think of it like the army - rifleman first, cook/barber/intelligence office second. It is important to us, because we know that everyone can respond in an emergency.

My basic question to you is this: when the stuff hits the fan, do you want to have to treat your fellow staff as victims (i.e., they passed out after running to help you) in an emergency?

I have been looking at correctional nurse jobs and a lot of them say that all nurses must pass a 3 week basic training program at a correctional training facility. What exactly do you have to be able to do? 100 sit-ups or push-ups or what? Thanks for any information.

Thanks so much for the information. I have back problems and I am not sure I could do all of the requirements.

Which states do not require nurses to take the basic training programs? I worked in Wyoming and West Virginia prisons many years ago and it was not required at that time. I think it is required in Calif and Colorado. Thanks for any information.

I just got a job in a medium-security MD prison and we're not required to take basic training (although we do get a DOC orientation in addition to our nursing one).

Thanks Charm City RN for the info about MD. I just talked to DOC- Colorado and no, nurses do not have to take the super physical training. They are just required to take the modified version of learning about pressure points etc. in case a nurse is attacked and other DOC orientation.

Check with where you want to work- Special Functions Training was alot less where I work- the run (1.5 miles in 10:22) knocked out all the smokers. But with consistant training and hard work it was cake and you get in shape in the process. The main thing is that rarely do you get a chance to earn a 20 year retirement anywhere, which is quite common in corrections.

Corrections is less work than med surg- look at me, I am typing this from work. (heehee)

Bug

Thanks Bug. My local college has a "jogging" class. I think I could get my friend to sign up for the class too. I do need to get in shape anyway. It seems that there is not that many state nursing DOC jobs available. It seems most of the nursing prison jobs are with CMS and PHS companies. Sorry to hear that most nurses don't get their 20 year retirement benefits.

I have heard that state jobs do provide good medical insurance coverage.

Corrections is less work than med surg- look at me, I am typing this from work. (heehee)

If you were to trade jobs with me, you would disagree with that statement :). Most nights I am busier than a one-armed paper hanger with a runny nose. When I worked med-surg, I had the opportunity to take a break every day I worked.

When I started with the departmemt 15 years ago I had to take a physical exam and then I had to do the rifle range, march with the officers and learn how to use handcuffs. Oregon has changed its rules and we don't have to do all that stuffl. We learn how to do shakedowns and searches but no hand to hand combat or shooting of guns is required.

Oregon has openings everywhere and we are opening another prison in about a year and the rest are not full. The wages aren't the greatest but our benefits aren't bad. And if you can make the 20 years you can do okay on retirement.

Thanks psychonurse. Does Oregon have many openings for LPN's in corrections? I would like to get a state correctional job in the future. State jobs seem to have the best medical coverage.

Yes we use both RN's and LPN's in Oregon, we have such a shortage of nurses that they are filling some postions with LPN's. I know that the facilities on the Western side of the state have quite a few working for them and we have one at our facility. Corrections is an interesting place to put your hat up and work. Its fun to play the mind games with these guys. There is a new place in Lakeview and another place opening is opening in Madras soon.