Common Correctional Nursing Interview Questions

Specialties Correctional Nursing Q/A

I'm collecting a compendium of Interview Questions and best answers for folks prepping for a correctional nursing job interviews. Could you chime in with yours even if you might have posted elsewhere on this forum? It would be good to have them all in one place for newbies searching this site.

Thanks for all the time and effort you spend helping new correctional nurses learn the ropes!

Specializes in Sociology: Gerontology..

Hi,

I was a correctional nurse, at the Allegheny County Jail. I spent almost 2 years, nursing, there! It was a very difficult job! I had to pass meds, now-and-then, up to 500 Inmates!!! And, it was very difficult, to keep up with all the computerized documentation, as well! I didn't always have the needed meds, to pass, either! I did inform the higher-ups, about this, too! Most of my co-workers were ok. I had one supervisor,...who thought she was the BEST nurse on this planet! She dismissed many Inmates, that complained of chest pain, etc. All she liked to do, was fiddle with her multitude of pencils, and pens, etc.,...and surf the web! The other supervisors, for the most part, were ok! This was a Pittsburgh, PA, jail. I got so frustrated, with this low paying job,...and all the legal responsibilities, I left. If you can work with a very proactive company,...the services the Inmates,...you may have a better experience?!? Good-Luck!!!

Specializes in ICU, Research, Corrections.

This has been a great thread! I just interviewed for a large metro county jail position and got offered the job today! The job will be in intake which I think will be very interesting.

I had a question that I don't think has been addressed here - C-spine precautions. How would you treat a pt that had jumped off a balcony. I have never dealt with a situation like that or worked in neuro so I struggled with the answer a bit. All of the other interview questions have been covered in other posts on this thread.

Thank you all for your contributions!

Hi everyone,

icant believe that I came across this awesome blog as I have an interview next week with a correctional facility up in BC, Canada. I had interviewed not long ago for a another position (private run) and bombed it. ?

i don’t know the answers to all the questions posted here (thank you to those that posted good/accurate answers to go with the questions) but feel I have a good list of items to review!

Ive dusted off my BScN program textbooks and have my study notes initiated to be as prepared as possible.

ido have one question... on my last interview I was asked what the “normal” range of blood sugars are.... my answer was obviously “wrong”. I am looking over my chapter on diabetes and would NOW state that between 4.4 - 6.1. Is that correct and, if not, could someone enlighten me as to values both normal and concerning?

Thank you for any help you can provide me with this! ?

Sincerely,

Hopeful in BC!

20 minutes ago, afalconer said:

Hi everyone,

icant believe that I came across this awesome blog as I have an interview next week with a correctional facility up in BC, Canada. I had interviewed not long ago for a another position (private run) and bombed it. ?

i don’t know the answers to all the questions posted here (thank you to those that posted good/accurate answers to go with the questions) but feel I have a good list of items to review!

Ive dusted off my BScN program textbooks and have my study notes initiated to be as prepared as possible.

ido have one question... on my last interview I was asked what the “normal” range of blood sugars are.... my answer was obviously “wrong”. I am looking over my chapter on diabetes and would NOW state that between 4.4 - 6.1. Is that correct and, if not, could someone enlighten me as to values both normal and concerning?

Thank you for any help you can provide me with this! ?

Sincerely,

Hopeful in BC!

4.4-6.1.... is that average Hemoglobin A1c values or you are using that metric system mmol/L glucose?
Average blood sugar varies but is usually 70-100. Below 70 and they need carb/sugar. Over 100 and they MAY need treatment depending on time of day, last meal, insulin coverage orders, etc.
Typically we here in Arizona treat over 160 but may treat over 120 based on the person.
Over 200 and thats real high
Over 300 and Damn they are poorly managed
Over 400 and this could be an emergency. Check urine for ketones. Call doctor. And other action as necessary for the person and situation

Good luck and get some of that sweet OverTime pay

This thread is great!

I wanted to know if the correctional nursing jobs are 8 or 12 hr shifts?

I'm planning to relocate to norcal and have a few SP facilities lined up, but the recruiters aren't able to tell me if they are 8s or 12s ??‍♂️

I really want the 12s to keep more days off and pick up when I need it.

Looking to you guys for the info.

Thanks in advance!

Zig

Specializes in Corrections.

Hi Zig,

It depends. I work in a jail in northern California and am currently on 8-hour shifts, but we recently voted to change to 12-hour shifts. We will start working 12s in early January. I have only been in corrections since March, but I have heard from coworkers and management at my facility that most of the jails are 12-hour shifts. I hope that helps.

Thanks Hurt,

When you say swap after 12 months in, do you mean to a 12 hour shift employee?

Thanks

I work 5 days a week (8 hr shifts) if I find someone to swap with I end up working a 16 hr shift (mine +theirs) and end up only having to work 4 days. A nurse cannot swap until they have worked there for 1 year.

Anyone here work at a federal prison? I have an upcoming interview and am wondering what their questions are like. I know their questions may be a little different since all staff is considered a corrections officer first.

Just had my interview for a state hospital today in California. Thank you all for you advices. I had studied all of them. They asked 5 questions.

 

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