CA State Prisons/ County Jails? (New Gard)

TAKOO01, BSN · Feb 7, 2019

I don't know specifically about California, but if there is a supportive team, you can succeed as a new grad. You will probably learn a lot more than you would in other settings, because you are expected to do more. As you may have heard, the hardest thing is dealing with manipulative inmates and possibly overcoming personal objections to what the inmates have done.

yesucan, BSN, RN · Feb 7, 2019

1 hour ago, TAKOO01 said:
I don't know specifically about California, but if there is a supportive team, you can succeed as a new grad. You will probably learn a lot more than you would in other settings, because you are expected to do more. As you may have heard, the hardest thing is dealing with manipulative inmates and possibly overcoming personal objections to what the inmates have done.

Thank for your response. I can see how having a supportive team will make life easier especially for a new grad in a correctional setting. And yes I've read about the challenges of dealing with manipulation, how have you personally been able to handle manipulation from inmates? Is this something that just takes time and experience in the setting/environment?

TAKOO01, BSN · Feb 13, 2019

This is not my first career. I have worked with formerly incarcerated people in other positions. This made the transition to prison easier. I never share any personal information. I never do any "favors". I address all people with respect- rapists, murderers and fraudsters. I do not let any disrespect towards me go unnoticed and address it with the inmate. Unlike other forms of nursing, I do not casually touch a patient on the shoulder while speaking or use a casual term of endearment.

The first couple of months, everyone tries to get over. After a few months, they figure out who you are and they try less.

yesucan, BSN, RN · Feb 14, 2019

8 hours ago, TAKOO01 said:
This is not my first career. I have worked with formerly incarcerated people in other positions. This made the transition to prison easier. I never share any personal information. I never do any "favors". I address all people with respect- rapists, murderers and fraudsters. I do not let any disrespect towards me go unnoticed and address it with the inmate. Unlike other forms of nursing, I do not casually touch a patient on the shoulder while speaking or use a casual term of endearment.
The first couple of months, everyone tries to get over. After a few months, they figure out who you are and they try less.

Thanks TAKOO01 for sharing experience! I really appreciate your insight. I've seen some county jails encouraging new grads to apply. I would imagine starting in a jail setting or other similar positions and getting some experience would be helpful before jumping into a state prison setting, although I understand they're different in there own way.

Irah0526 · May 6, 2019

Hi. Im currently applying for Folsom State Prison. I just to ask, did you accept the job you applied? Thanks!

yesucan, BSN, RN · May 11, 2019

On 5/5/2019 at 10:14 PM, Irah0526 said:
Hi. Im currently applying for Folsom State Prison. I just to ask, did you accept the job you applied? Thanks!

I’ve been working at a County Jail for about 6 weeks now and recently turned down a CA State prison interview. I enjoy the Jail setting for now and look to one day have the opportunity again to try a prison. As a new grad RN, I have really enjoyed being a correctional RN versus working in a hospital. It’s different. I see myself working corrections as my career.

Irah0526 · May 11, 2019

3 hours ago, yesucan said:
I’ve been working at a County Jail for about 6 weeks now and recently turned down a CA State prison interview. I enjoy the Jail setting for now and look to one day have the opportunity again to try a prison. As a new grad RN, I have really enjoyed being a correctional RN versus working in a hospital. It’s different. I see myself working corrections as my career.

Thank you for your response! How long did they call you after you submitted your application? What’s the difference of county jail and prison? Thanks!

struggleforfuture, BSN · Oct 8, 2020

On 2/5/2019 at 9:49 AM, yesucan said:

Hi allnurses members!

I'm a recent new graduate waiting to soon take my NCLEX. I want to build a career in forensic and/or psych nursing and looking to apply at various CA state prisons (Folsom, Mule Creek, Salinas Valley, etc..). On my research through various platforms it's hard to find recent information.

Anyone have some experience in any of these facilities?

If so,

What are your overall thoughts of working for a CA state prison or county jail?

How was your process of applying through the state/county?

Is being a male a benefit in this setting?

What are your hours like a week and OT? (8's or 12's; night shift/morning shift)

I understand prisons are a hard place to start for new grads as the learning curve is rather steep from reading old posts, any new grads experience starting out here?

If anyone has an answer or possible answers to any of these, they would be heavily appreciated.

Thanks!

Hi, I am a new graduate in 2021, I want to work in prison too. Is easy to get hire? I see you already work and like your job, that is really good. Do you feel hard as a new gad? What exactly the prison nurse do?

Orca, ADN, ASN, RN · Oct 9, 2020

On 2/13/2019 at 4:44 PM, yesucan said:

Thanks TAKOO01 for sharing experience! I really appreciate your insight. I've seen some county jails encouraging new grads to apply. I would imagine starting in a jail setting or other similar positions and getting some experience would be helpful before jumping into a state prison setting, although I understand they're different in there own way.

One of the main differences is the transience. There is frequent turnover in county jails, as many people are there for very short periods of time. About the only ones who stay longer are those awaiting criminal trial. County jails also perform a lot more detoxification, because they get people right off the streets. Once they get into the state system that is less prevalent, although not absent.

As far as state systems go, your experience there will depend upon where you go and how well they orient. My agency does not hire new graduates because of the degree of independence that the position takes, especially on night shift where most new hires are initially assigned. Exceptions have been made for a couple of rural facilities that have trouble staffing the medical area. Most prisons are in remote areas, so you have to be prepared for that. Mine is about 40 miles from a major city.

Chyna · Nov 16, 2022

On 5/11/2019 at 11:48 AM, yesucan said:

I’ve been working at a County Jail for about 6 weeks now and recently turned down a CA State prison interview. I enjoy the Jail setting for now and look to one day have the opportunity again to try a prison. As a new grad RN, I have really enjoyed being a correctional RN versus working in a hospital. It’s different. I see myself working corrections as my career.

How are you liking it at this point

yesucan, BSN, RN · Nov 16, 2022

1 hour ago, Chyna said:

How are you liking it at this point

I keep forgetting I posted on this awhile ago. Saw the email, nice! … but Wow has time passed. Starting in the county jail as an RN has been very helpful for my eventual transfer to a CA state prison. To get the job and to manage this worK setting and patient population. I was at the county jail for nearly 7months and now have been at the prison working as an RN for over 3 years now. I enjoy the setting and I do believe it is worth the state benefits. Are there any specific questions you have? I’ve pretty much done it all here by this point :)