Called for an intrview for county jail position, now I am panicking

[iwanna]

I applied for an LPN position at county jail about two weeks ago. I never heard anything, but got a call today for an interview. Now that I got the call, I am so nervous. I haven't worked since June 2004 due to health issues. I am on disability. I have been looking for a nursing job that is not physically demanding. I have gone through local OVR and my counselor is trying to get RN training approved for me. The reason being there are more opportunities for RN in my area. Most jobs for LPNs are in nursing homes. However, if I could find an LPN job that was not too strenuous, I would be happy. Honestly, I don't have much med-surg experience. I got my license in 1997 at age of 40. I worked briefly in a nursing home, but lasted only a few months. It was way too overwhelming for me. Then I have worked in behavioral health from 1998 -2004. I worked in drug rehab and psych hospital.

Now, I am panicking because I haven't worked for four years. What type of questions should I expect for the interview? What is a typical day like for LPN?

The ad stated PT position. I only plan to work PT, as I am still on disability. This is my first attempt to work in four years, and I am very nervous.

Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

[jailhousegranny]

Hey iwanna,

DON'T panick. Correctional nursing is great. I do love it and we make less money here than we would at a nursing home on a baylor program.

Correctional nursing is not demanding physically ie.. No lifting, no pt transferring, no bending over or standing on your head to do tx. in those low beds on the floor ( those beds seem to be all the rage in LTC fac. to prevent falls ) They may reduce falls but they are back breakers.!!

But you do have to respond to emergencies, pass meds and do very minor txs.

I work in a county jail. We have about 1600 inmates at any given time and there are about 400 in the area for which I am responsible. I probably see about 100-150 for different reasons on any average day. When I first heard I would be responsible for 400 inmates I panicked, but the work load here is much less than at a LTCF.

This is not a job for nurses who like to fluff the pillows or want to make everyone comfy. I believe eveyone is entitled to adaquate medical care. And if you have the money to pay for pillow fluffing then go for it. but if I am footing the bill as a taxpayer then adaquate is what you should get.

And I think if your honest about your abilities then hopefully whoever interviews you will be honest as well about the demands of the job. As far as nursing skills go, basic skills are needed behind the bars..some ER and psych background would be pluses as well..

Good Luck!

[iwanna]

Thanks, jailhouse granny. I do have the psych background. I will see how it goes. This position is from an outside agency. I will let you know how interview goes.