Correctional Nursing with Probation

Thomas RN · Nov 27, 2011

Your employment in a correctional facility will depend on a couple of things. Number one: The violation your licenses was disciplined for Drug related? Scope of practice? Were you charged with a crime - Domestic battery? The law enforcement agency responsible for the correctional facility will do a background check on everyone civilian or sworn - what shows up in the background check will have a great deal to do with your being allowed access to the faicility. The agency will look at your background with the principle: will this possibly jeopordize the safety or security of the facility - if they think yes; your chances of employement are slim. The State Board of Nursing that took the action against your license might require a "work site approval" meaning they must give their ok to the place where you work - if they thing a correctional facility is not conducive to the terms of your probation they may turn down the work site. Also it is a case by case basis sometimes. If the agency does not have a diefinite "not allowed for,...." the person responsible for hiring you and upervising you might have the authority to hire you with certain restrictions - like random urine drug screens- it is always best to tell the exact truth what happened and why- was this a frist time and only time thing. I think if you have a drug related violation and your license is on probation for that you may have a tougher time and have to wait until your probation is completed. I have worked in large urban jail settings for years and we have had nurses n probation fro time to time - with supervision, random drug screens and frequent meetings with peers and supervisors and usually day shift assignments they all did very well. Good luck to you Thomas Posten RN BSN CCHP

backtowork · Nov 27, 2011

Hi MSJAS..I have 3 years of corrections under my belt..both in a staff nurse position as well as a supervisor and administrator. A couple of things about working in corrections with our "situation" as follows:

1) Correctional facilities are very careful about hiring anyone whose history could pose a possible litigation opportunity for the offenders. All offenders are lawyered up and many are ready to look for any reason to sue the facility for personal gain..so your probabtion could be looked at by the facility as a risk.

2) You will be excluded from emplyment with any recent (5 years back) arrest..misdomeanor or otherwise. The higher you go up the chain..(from county, to state, to federal facilities) the more this becomes an issue..I am not knowing if you have ever been arrested..but there is the scoop on that if you have been.

3) I do not feel that corrections is the best support for recovery. This is strictly my feelings and observation, and many may disagree with me, but here is my argument. You and I have worked our entire adult lives to be masters of our trade..nursing. Offenders, for the most part, have worked their entire lives, as well, to master their trade..and that trade is two fold...1.. identify weakness in people..2. manipulate that weakness and take advantage of it for personal gain. I am not saying that addiction is a weakness..I am saying offenders view it as such. I hired nurses in early recovery..(a year or less) who fell pray to offender's manipulation. Please keep this in mind as you look at correction positions and never..I mean NEVER..let an offender know ANYTHING personal about you..especially about your recovery.

Hope that helps a little..take care and keep recovery in the fore front. :heartbeat:nurse::heartbeat

backtowork · Nov 27, 2011

Hey Thomas RN..you and I must have been typing this at the same time...and we said practically the same thing.. :cool:

msjas · Nov 28, 2011

Thank you Thomas RN and backtowork for your replies. I dont have any drug convictions, I have a dui from 3 years ago and have 1 year sober. As far as the Board of Nursing restrictions... I can't work in a supervisory position and have to work under another R.N., Nurse Practitioner or Doctor. I continue to attend outside meetings and also counseling.

I so want to work in Corrections and just trying to get an interview and would even work in a L.P.N. position. I just don't know how to get my foot in the door.

Thanks

MsJas

mtsteelhorse · Nov 28, 2011

I work in corrections. Apply, follow up and push for an interview. During the interview be honest but don't belabor the point. Prove who you are NOW and demonstrate a commitment to excellence. Lots of people get DUIs...you will be exposed to people who've made poor choices and end up in jail/prison. Is that environment going to benefit you as you maintain a healthy lifestyle? For some it does, for others not so much. I worked with a nurse who had quite a track record of alcohol and narcotics abuse. She was a wonderful nurse and worked well with inmates. Get that interview and show 'em what you've got to offer. Don't come across as desperate enough to work below your license. You deserve better than that. Follow up with a phone call and let them know how much this career interests you. Good luck...corrections is a great field!

msjas · Nov 28, 2011

Mtsteel horse... Thank you so very much for replying to my post. I have been researching every thing I can find on Correctional Nursing and I think I would be a very good fit. The more I learn the more I want to pursue this career. I have applied to a lot of places and I dont care where in California the prison is I would definately go. I appreciate the support because I'm really getting frustrated. If you know of a specific recruiter that could possibly help me get an interview, I would be so grateful. You can always email me private!!!

Sincerely;

MsJas:heartbeat

mtsteelhorse · Nov 28, 2011

I don't know anyone specifically but I will put on my thinking cap. I'm sure you can find something. Just stay focused and commited. I'll look into it as well. It takes the right person to work corrections...if it feels like a good fit for you it probably is. I'll get back to you. :)

msjas · Nov 28, 2011

thanks again so much!!!!

mtsteelhorse · Nov 28, 2011

I just sent you a PM to help you get started. I'll send more info! Good luck!