CA corrections nursing

[jescalynn, ASN, RN]

I am the RN/QIDP/DON at a small family run icf-ddn. I've worked there for about 2yrs now, just at 1yr as the RN (worked while in school as care staff). I have a good gig, freedom of atonomy, make my schedule, direct contact if needed with the owners.

The bad: I'm making $30/hr, no benefits at all. I have to drive my car between all facilities daily (25miles at least). I get calls at all hours of the day/night when I'm not even on call. I deal with the clients families constantly. I have to fight with outdated equipment/medi-cal daily. I'm overworked and a little over stressed.

I'm wondering if it's my time to get out. I need benefits, job security and not to be called by my staff/patients/family all of the time.

I've been researching all types of options and have become intrigued by corrections. I have a few questions I was hoping you could help me answer:

1. What kinds of shifts are offered in CA prisons (8/10/12hr)

2. Do you get OT on top of the salary shown on the website.

3. What kind of BS do you deal with?

4. If given the choice would you do it again?

5. If you ever wanted to transition to a hospital setting could you?

[f1j1nurse]

Ok let's see:

1. 8 hours shift (6am-2pm), (2pm -10pm) (10pm-6am)

2. Yes there is always OT to be picked up. (And we make more then 30 bucks an hour)

3. BS from inmates..mostly none, from staff...that's another story. Depending on which institution you work in things will vary and staff and inmate attitudes will also vary.

4. I left corrections very briefly to go work in med/surg....I hated the customer service aspect in a hospital and missed the autonomy as a correctional nurse..so I went back into corrections and don't regret any of it.

5. Now why would you wanna do that..LOL!! But yeah you can. I did, I guess it depends on your interview and what the hospital is looking for.

Good luck.