I know you

Specialties Correctional

Published

OK, just started going to the county jail through an agency two months ago. I live in a large city. three times in these short two months during my med pass I hear hay I know you. All three times I did recognize them, but was hoping they wouldn't remember or recognize me. I don't know why but I feel like the officers are like oh look what kind of people she associates with. two of them had just lived in my neighborhood a while back. One was a friends brother. I don't know why it embarrasses me so much when this happens, but it does. Do you ever see people there that you know? how do you handle it? Am I the only one who is uncomfortable when this happens?

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Specializes in Utilization Management.

Actually, it'd probably be the same as if I was treating a neighbor, friend, or some rich and famous dude. You want to assure them that you are a professional and hold their care in the highest confidence.

You can say that in a lot of different ways, first of which is to simply say it.

Or depending on how well you know the person, you might say something like:

"Yes, I do, and please know that to a nurse, being on the job is a little like being in Las Vegas--what goes on here, will stay here. I haven't even seen you. You're invisible."

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My Dh is a correctional officer and he sees people he "knows" all the time. The people he "knows" are friends from high school, old neighbors, etc. Trust me C/O see people they know from their past all the time.

I wouldn't worry about it. Just treat them professioanlly. The only time that "knowing" someone becomes an issue is if you are treating them differently than the rest of the inmates. Then people will think that something could be going on.

JMO

Erin

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Specializes in geriatric, hospice, med/surg.

I would feel uncomfortable at first also for the same reasons you've already stated. I use to work in a correctional facility. Not anymore. The staff were more of a problem for me than the inmates! LOL

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thanks for the help. I hope I have seen the last of the familiar faces, but if not I will continue to be professional.

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Specializes in Rehab, Corrections, LTC, and Detox Nurse.

This happens alot. It doesn't bother me like that though. I'm not responsible for what they've done and everyone that knows you doesn' "know you" incarcerated or not.

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This is a little off the topic but a funny story. A friend told me this story. He had gotten into some trouble as a kid, and his parents sent him to the scared straight program at the prison in their town. As he was walking through the yard three of the imates (at different times) yelled hey how's it going. Doesn't look good haha Let's just say he didn't get into much trouble after that.

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