Common Correctional Nursing Interview Questions

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!

Did you get the job? If so, what was your orientation like? I am a new graduate applying for a prison job too, thanks.

No, I did not ever hear back from them. I was extremely nervous during my interview and it definitely showed. They were very nice about it, though, but letting your nerves get the best of you doesn't work too well in a correctional setting... obviously lol.

I had an interview and remember being asked:

  1. What would teaching be for a new BP med?
  2. What to do if inmate was banging his head against the wall?
  3. What if an inmate gave you a letter to mail on the outside? and treatment for a chest Stab Wound.

Not very hard, but they wanted thorough step-by-step answers.

Not sure how I did, but I felt pretty confident about it. Mostly they talked about the facility and allowed me ample time to ask my questions. The questions they asked were very standardized and they could not elaborate on the scenario. They asked me not to share the questions or my answers until all interviews were completed "as the interview is very competitive". So I waited a month .... hope that was long enough. ? I was very nervous before my interview and looked for a forum like this to help me understand the kinds of questions to even expect. It seems every location is very different, but most give a psych, safety, and medication question at the minimum.

Good luck to all applying.

had interview at rj donavan today ! i was nervous initially but as the questions came i kinda got hold of my self and omg was it nerve racking! keeping fingers crossed!

These are very good questions. Thank you all who contributed.

Has anyone been interviewed at CTF in Soledad CA? I have an interview scheduled in a few days and I'm soooo anxious...soo hard to find a job as a new grad. Thanks guys!

This is a wonderful site. I have an interview in the mornng at a CI in Florida and I have no idea what to expect. Will keep you posted as to the outcome.

Sounds like you have a lot to build on. Your experience is good, this is what comes to mind:

1. "I have worked in restaurants." You can mulititask, size up customers, anticipate needs/personalities and reprioritize.

2."I have volunteered at Orphanages and homeless shelters." Can provide good care to all populations. Exposed to juggling with mimial resources while providing services. Witness to long term effects of low SES, unmet medical needs, non-compliance to medications, inadequated diet, undiagnosed mental problems...

this is really nice, thank you all for your contributions!! I have an interview with on of the CA prison health care facilities, I pray that I am able to use these informations (at least the ideas) to respond to questions. Pls is the interview oral or written?

Good luck! Hope you get called. My interview at a correctional facility here in wisconsin is tomorrow. I hope I can sleep!! I have been hanging around here for weeks, reading, trying to prepare for the interview. This is a very supportive forum.

Thanks to all for posting to it.

Barb in WI

Specializes in forensic psych, corrections.

When can you start? :p

No, really, when can you start? :lol2:

I've been in my corrections job for YEARS now so I can't offer specific advice. I'd be clear on maintaining boundaries, being firm/fair/consistent, resisting manipulative behavior. Prison dispensaries (at least this prison's dispensaries) are like doctor's offices or emergency departments -- you have to be able to ascertain who is really ill, who is manipulating you, and who you need to worry about and possibly resuscitate. Prisons are violent places and you need to know basic trauma care and stabilization.

Here I can go several consecutive shifts without anything extraordinary happening -- come in the next day and have someone exsanguinate on the tier. Or die in the yard. Or have his throat cut and die on the way to medical. Or get stomped by his cell buddy and have brain matter all over the gurney. Or hang himself.

These are all things that have happened on my shifts just in the past couple of months. I LOVE my job but prison/corrections nursing isn't for the faint of heart.

dchaugen said:
The following questions are included in our oral examination for Registered Nurses:

1. Describe your background in nursing and how this will compliment the duties for a Correctional Health Nurse.

2. You will be making decisions about whether an inmate seen by you may need to see an MD. What are some factors you would consider in your decision?

3. What are some key principles of infection control?

4. An inmate/resident presents with complaints of pain in his left ear. Discuss your assessment process.

5. Manipulative behavior is very common among the inmate population. what are some nursing skills that are helpful in dealing with this behavior?6. Describe your attributes and experiences that would enhance your ability to work with a diverse population.

7. Practicing nursing in a correctional facility requires specialized skills, knowledge and work behaviors. Describe what you think they are.

Hope you find this helpful!

THank you sooo much! Even though it is almost a year later....I have an interview tomorrow and this was very helpful!!:yeah:

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