City of Los Angeles correctional RN's?

nurselindah, BSN, RN · Jan 7, 2015

Hi-I have been working per diem with the City for a few months. It took me about 4-5 months after the interview to get hired. I too posted on allnurses requesting information about the job but no one ever responded-so I shall do my best. Keep in mind I have only worked two shifts since my orientation!

The working environments are quite different among the three jails. I believe Van Nuys is the oldest, and the smallest. The equipment is very basic at all sites. You will do inmate intake-but be ready to have a good BS detector. Lots of inmates cry medical problems because they want to delay their booking. Then again, the ones that are really sick sometimes don't appear to be. I had one come thru with a pulse of 45 and a bp of 68/30-and he was alert and in no distress. In cases like that, you call 911, start a line, and they will be transferred to hospital for treatment.

There is not always a medical provider (MD or NP), so you have to do good assessments, then consult with another facility that has one present. You do intake, pill call, and sick call over the course of your shift. You will hopefully have another nurse with you to split the duties (or two at Metro), but that is not always the case. You should always have a correctional officer present with you while you are with the inmates.

12 hours can fly by, or not. You never know what the day will hold. So far, I really like it. Less stressful than the ER. That's not to say it doesn't get stressful. Man down situations can be scary. Again, you call 911 for true emergencies.

You will rotate between the three jails, and should be available both days and nights.

Hope this helps!