Advice needed, take the leap into corrections??

Specialties Correctional

Published

Specializes in Mental Health/School Nursing/Corrections.

I'm waiting to hear if I've been chosen for an RN position in a MI prison. I dont personally know anyone who works in corrections to discuss making the decision as to accept or not if offered. Most of you seem very pleased to have made the switch. Is anyone willing to share some info?

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I'm starting in corrections at medical facility next month...great pay and benefits...I'll see how it goes...you can quit you know if you dont like it.

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It's not for everyone......yet a surprisingly varied group of personalities thrive in it. I've seen the biker tattoed type of nurse, the longgggggg term codependent nurse, the excellent ultimate professional nurse, the it's my job then I'm going home nurse, the olllllllllllllllddd why isn't she retired I hope she doesn't die on this shift nurse, the brand new grad nurse, the religion goes where I practice nurse all THRIVE in there. Nurses that can't make it anywhere don't, contrary to popular belief.

There tends to be a great deal more autonomy (though sadly, this is declining), the problems that present are of a much greater scope than anywhere else I know to work, and it takes a great deal of creativity to get the job done. I like it because it makes me laugh everyday. I get to make a difference now and then.

Good luck!!!!

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homicidalnurse, I loved your "varied group of personalities" listed in your post.

It was soooo funny! And yet I can pair up those personalities with several of my coworkers:)

and the observation of "I like it because it makes me laugh everyday. I get to make a difference now and then." I couldn't have said it better myself.

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Specializes in Mental Health/School Nursing/Corrections.

It's been a month now, can you believe they havent notified me yet?

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Specializes in Mental Health/School Nursing/Corrections.

Thank you for your replies, Homicialnurse....The inpatient psych unit seems to have some of the same Bennies as the prison system when it comes to the staff and the patients demeanors, cant believe some of the things that comes out of their mouths, some days you laugh so hard your cheeks hurt! I have decided to accept if offered.....patiently awaiting.

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Specializes in HIV Coordinator/Disease Intervention Spe.

working in corrections is not for everyone, but I have learned so much and get to do things that I would not normally have gotten to do. I have been "in prison" little over 19 years and I love it.

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working in corrections is not for everyone, but I have learned so much and get to do things that I would not normally have gotten to do.

I couldn't have said it better myself. Corrections is most definitely unique. I've learned that you either like it or you don't and if you don't get out cause it's not for you.

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Specializes in ER, ICU, Nursing Education, LTC, and HHC.
It's been a month now, can you believe they havent notified me yet?

Call them and ask where you are in the hiring process? Sometimes a call is necessary as I have found sometimes applications are either misplaced or in a pile on someone's desk... and will remain there forecer, until a call is made to inquire about it.

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I worked as a nurse int he jail system, and its varied. I really like the job, the benefits are awesome, its more like babysittine however, is the inmate taking their meds, cheeking them? Are they faking their symptoms to try to go to the ER for drugs, are they sharing meds? Are they really detoxing or just trying to get free meds to help them sleep to pass their time. You also have to deal with people who are unclean, have head and body lice, MRSA runs rampant in jails as well. a lot of drug users have awful teeth and several pain and infection issues that go with it. Understand that many of these people a hve manipulated and lied and cheated to get what they want all their lives and will continue this behavior with you. You need to be strong and stand by your decisions, and let people know upfron you will treat real problems, and not deal with the bullshit. I reallty liked it. I never knew just how hot I was until I worked in the jail. (HA HA) it goes with the territory. Never discuss your personal life or family with inmates because they will use any personal information against you, believe me. Be consistent be consistent be consistent. thats my advice!

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Correctional nursing is for those who have strong assessment skills. You have to be knowoledgeable in all aspects of care. Autonomy is definately a plus. Remember......clients are patients first and inmates second. Correctional nursing is not for everyone. If you do not like the job, you are better leaving it and looking for something you would be happy in.

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