Cat Calls

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Hey ya'll,

I've got a feeling I already know what the answer is, but I think I'll get the opinions of you seasoned correctional nurses.

How do you cope with all of the cat calls and sexual harrassment that goes on?

I just started going to the county jail through my agency and I'll tell you it's like nothing I've ever done before. Everywhere I go, I get cat calls or other sexual things yelled at me...the women CO's don't tolerate it, but the men CO's sometimes laugh, think it's funny. I don't "mind" the marriage proposals and "You're so beautiful"s but after 12 hours of it..it can get a little tiring. I don't want to be completely heartless and not enjoy my job at all...and I don't want to make them mad...because they're released everyday. Also, I don't want them to think that I want them or want to have an affair with them...so how do you stay along that fine line? Any opinions would be greatly appreciated!!!! :)

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Specializes in Addictions, Corrections, QA/Education.

I act like I don't even hear it. It really gets tiring to hear it all the time though. I am so used to it I just walk away and keep working.

The prison I work at (I work in the infirmary) they really don't say much. I just ignore it if they do. One of the CO's get really ticked off though. He threatens to write them a ticket.

The only time I really hear it (vulgar stuff) is when I go out to the housing units (the locked down units) to do rounds. (I don't do this a lot since I mainly work in the infirmary) They are like a bunch of dogs in heat. They do not hold anything back either. It doesn't bother me. Its actually gotten better because they know that they don't get a reaction from me.

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I don't get a lot of cat calls (unless I have to do the DHU med pass.) Mostly I ignore it, although there was one guy who kept yelling that he wanted to stick his **** in my ear. I finally muttered to the CO who was with me, "I know it's best to ignore them, but I really want to tell him I don't need a Q-Tip." The CO grinned and said "I'll tell him!" practically bounced back to the guy's cell and said, "Hey, man, she said she doesn't need a Q-Tip." Within about 30 seconds the entire pod knew what I'd said, everyone laughed, and the cat-calls stopped.

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Specializes in CCU, LTC, ICU, Corrections.

I worked at a maximum security all male prison. I was on a medical unit with mostly sex offenders. "Cat calls" were a frequent occurance. Most of the time I would just ignore them. They win if you show emotion! For the repeat offenders ( the ones who like to masturbate with an audience) I would just tell a correctional officer and they would write them up. They hate this because they can loose canteen priviledges or even be sent to the hole AKA segregation! Most know your boundries and how far they can go before you act. Be consistant with how you respond! I have found that no response is the best one!

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Specializes in Addictions, Corrections, QA/Education.
I worked at a maximum security all male prison. I was on a medical unit with mostly sex offenders. "Cat calls" were a frequent occurance. Most of the time I would just ignore them. They win if you show emotion! For the repeat offenders ( the ones who like to masturbate with an audience) I would just tell a correctional officer and they would write them up. They hate this because they can loose canteen priviledges or even be sent to the hole AKA segregation! Most know your boundries and how far they can go before you act. Be consistant with how you respond! I have found that no response is the best one!

I totally agree. They love the reaction no matter what type of reaction it is!

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Specializes in Med-Surg, Geriatric, Behavioral Health.

Benign neglect= I would just ignore them

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