Disillusioned with BOP.

Specialties Correctional

Published

Has anybody worked for BOP?

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I was employed by the BOP for 28 years and I loved every single day. I worked as a nurse for the first 9 years and then made a career shift for the last 19 years of those 28 years. I since have retired and am now working in a State Correctional Center but returned to nursing.

The BOP is not for everyone. At risk of sounding arrogant, I suggest you do some soul searching. If you do not have mental strength and a good work ethic, don't bother.

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Specializes in M/S, LTC, Corrections, PDN & drug rehab.
I was employed by the BOP for 28 years and I loved every single day. I worked as a nurse for the first 9 years and then made a career shift for the last 19 years of those 28 years. I since have retired and am now working in a State Correctional Center but returned to nursing.

The BOP is not for everyone. At risk of sounding arrogant, I suggest you do some soul searching. If you do not have mental strength and a good work ethic, don't bother.

I have worked in corrections before, so I am wondering what you mean by that last part. Just in corrections in general or by the way the BOP is run?

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Corrections in general may be challenging both physically and mentally. My experience with corrections is that it takes a special person to survive the every day challenges. Be it jails, state or federal, corrections is not for everyone. BOP does have its own set of challenges but in general is a great place to work.

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Specializes in M/S, LTC, Corrections, PDN & drug rehab.
Corrections in general may be challenging both physically and mentally. My experience with corrections is that it takes a special person to survive the every day challenges. Be it jails, state or federal, corrections is not for everyone. BOP does have its own set of challenges but in general is a great place to work.

Then I wouldn't have any issues if I applied as an RN? Your post had me worried. I actually really like corrections.

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You would be fine. You already have a good correctional base.

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It depends on where you are applying. Beaumont, TX was all contract medical when I left the agency. Houston I believe may be too. There are plenty of facilities in TX just depends on where exactly you are. Dallas has more than one facility but also is home to the only female medical center for the Feds in Carswell. I believe they employ LVN, RN and mid level practitioners. The most difficult part of working for the BOP is the hiring process. They require a squeaky clean credit record and if you get to the interview process, don't lie. Integrity is important. If you are less than honest and this is found through the background check process you will be fired. Also, you will need to prepare for being gone for three weeks soon after you hire. You have to go to Glynco, GA to the FLETC training academy. It is actually Brunswick, GA but within the BOP they always refer to it as Glynco. You have to be able to complete the same training as the correctional officers and qualify on weapons, self defense and complete all aspects of physical fitness. Good luck to you and reach out to me anytime.

BOP is a great place to work but it is like any other employer, they have their own set of issues. There is no perfect place to work. I liked my job, I liked my employer and I most often liked my bosses. I loved my coworkers and the challenges that the job presented on a frequent basis. It paid the bills and I was able to retire at age 50.

I forgot to mention, all staff are correctional workers first. Keep that in mind, you have to respond to not only medical emergencies, you may have to respond to correctional emergencies. That is one of the reasons that the pay is much higher than the private sector.

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Specializes in M/S, LTC, Corrections, PDN & drug rehab.
It depends on where you are applying. Beaumont, TX was all contract medical when I left the agency. Houston I believe may be too. There are plenty of facilities in TX just depends on where exactly you are. Dallas has more than one facility but also is home to the only female medical center for the Feds in Carswell. I believe they employ LVN, RN and mid level practitioners. The most difficult part of working for the BOP is the hiring process. They require a squeaky clean credit record and if you get to the interview process, don't lie. Integrity is important. If you are less than honest and this is found through the background check process you will be fired. Also, you will need to prepare for being gone for three weeks soon after you hire. You have to go to Glynco, GA to the FLETC training academy. It is actually Brunswick, GA but within the BOP they always refer to it as Glynco. You have to be able to complete the same training as the correctional officers and qualify on weapons, self defense and complete all aspects of physical fitness. Good luck to you and reach out to me anytime.

BOP is a great place to work but it is like any other employer, they have their own set of issues. There is no perfect place to work. I liked my job, I liked my employer and I most often liked my bosses. I loved my coworkers and the challenges that the job presented on a frequent basis. It paid the bills and I was able to retire at age 50.

I forgot to mention, all staff are correctional workers first. Keep that in mind, you have to respond to not only medical emergencies, you may have to respond to correctional emergencies. That is one of the reasons that the pay is much higher than the private sector.

Thank you so much for this response! My credit is amazing. Probably better than most my age. I understand the integrity, I would be honest with them. I do not shy away from guns, I live in Texas..everyone has guns. I am definitely very interested in the BOP! I am probably in the best physical shape I have been in, in my life. I wish the BOP had LVN openings, but I haven't seen any. Thank you again!!!

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Call the HR department directly. Not sure where in Texas you are but some of the facilities hire LPN/LVN or EMT's

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I believe the medical centers hire LPN's. Rochester, MN; Springfield, MO; Burtner, SC; Carswell, TX. I do suggest you call the Employee Services Department. They are generally very helpful.

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Specializes in M/S, LTC, Corrections, PDN & drug rehab.
I believe the medical centers hire LPN's. Rochester, MN; Springfield, MO; Burtner, SC; Carswell, TX. I do suggest you call the Employee Services Department. They are generally very helpful.

I would be closest to the Three Rivers BOP facility. But I will give them a call, thanks! You are SOO helpful!!! I can't thank you enough! :)

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I believe the medical centers hire LPN's. Rochester, MN; Springfield, MO; Burtner, SC; Carswell, TX. I do suggest you call the Employee Services Department. They are generally very helpful.

FYI: Butner is actually in NC, not SC. Been here 14 years. :)

OP, as others have said, there is a separate set of issues being Feds. Butner is a large complex with over 230 RNs/LPNs/Paramedics/Techs. So yeah, there's gonna be the occasional issues. But the pay is really good along with getting Law enforcement retirement. The best info I can give you: Get along with officers. Most units it's just you, the officer and 50+ inmates (in mental health anyway). You have to be a team. Have each other's back.

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