How do you deal with the confinement?

[ICURN3020]

Just wondering, how do you handle the feeling of confinement with being essentially "locked in" the workplace while on duty?

Maybe it doesn't bother some, and I know it would just be something you'd have to get used to if it does. Just wondering how those of you who it does bother dealt with it. For instance, when you take your breaks/lunch, are you permitted to leave the facility/go outside/to your car or is this prohibted due to the process of re-entering?

Also, I've read about the sally ports and the process of being identified when entering/leaving the facility, but does anyone have anything to add about the rules or process for either coming to/leaving from work?

I understand that security is the #1 priority of jails/prisons and that even staff pose a risk to the overall security of the institution. I'm just curious to know more details to determine if working corrections could be a possibility for me. I actually went through the process of applying for a position in a prison and was granted an interview date. However, I ended up cancelling the interview due to the fear that I would be processed into the facility and then proceed to panic and insist on being let out! Looking back, I wish I would have found this forum and gotten advice/tips prior to doing that!

[startofcare]

I am currently working in a county correctional faculty, for reasons of security all movement is slow and calculated, I have cameras watching my every move, I cope by taking short walks to other clinics say hello and use the bathroom. Also I walk to the trustee cafeteria get a cup of coffee or tea. I come in contact with several CO's which makes for quick hellos. Leaving the facility requires signing out.

In my opinion I find going into IM cell ( with CO supervision) feels most closterphobic.

[trutuyu]

Hello, I work in a maximum security prison at the moment. And I was just thinking the other day as I walked to a call about how it did not bother me that I was surrounded by metal bars and concrete. It is something that bothers you or it doesn't. But I love where I work. The background fades away after a while just like if you live in the city you get used to hearing traffic. Hope this helps.

[Orca, ADN, ASN, RN]

I was thinking about this last week. I have only had maybe three or four jobs in my life where I wasn't locked up in some fashion. It has just become part of the environment. Almost all of my working life has been spent either on mental health units or in prisons.

[valzRN, ASN, RN]

I have worked in corrections for the last 5 years. County jails and state prisons... doesn't bother me. I look at it like this, they can't get to me, I don't have to worry about getting robbed (like at a gas station)... nobody is going to come in and blow up the place... I kinda feel secure. As long as the bad guys are behind the bars are in shackles that is, lol! I guess I am just numb to the fact. It's normal to me.