why is the corrections facility hiring so much?

Specialties Correctional

Published

Hi I hae been reading the post about corrections nursing and I noticed people who wanted to work there got hired. I also noticed that there is almost always openings. Is that due to high turn over or because the prisons are growing? just curious.

Specializes in Dialysis.

Because the United States has one of the highest incarceration rates in the world? 4.4 % of the worlds population but we have 22 % of the worlds prisoners.

Comparison of United States incarceration rate with other countries - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

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Old thread, but if anyone is curious, one of the reasons corrections facilities are always hiring is, in fact, turnover--not everyone is cut out for that kind of setting.

If you can think of offenders as people first, patients second, and prisoners third; if you enjoy variety, hate being bored, and like to be challenged in numerous ways--some of which you had never thought of; if you have confidence in your abilities, are unafraid to say no when the situation demands it, are willing to admit when you are wrong and/or have made a mistake, have a relatively thick skin and excellent (especially slightly wacky) sense of humor--and can follow security rules without exception--then corrections is for you!

If you're easily intimidated, embarrassed, or offended, or get angered by difficult personalities, or if you are unable to be respectful of others (no matter who they are or what they've done) or follow through when you make a promise or commitment, then you cannot work in a jail or prison. Too many people, I think, believe nursing in a correctional setting is just like nursing anywhere--it is, but it isn't. If everyone understood the challenges before they started, turnover would be less of a problem. I think it's easiest to say, If what you hear in orientation frightens you (not interests, informs, or challenges you, but scares you), give it up. After years of riding and training horses, I can tell you that what they say is true--horses can sense fear and uncertainty and will usually exploit it ruthlessly: so will prisoners.

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I notice the hiring is continuous also where I live.. It is such a different world and not at all like the conventional nursing as boundaries with a hug, a hand shake , a high five.....all these are a no no. I am also talking about children in jail.

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Reasons Ive seen for the high turnover

1. High Stress Environment

2. Inmate manipulation is Physically draining

3. Family concerns over possible danger in the workplace

4. Pay

5. Potential for Lawsuits

6. Potential for loss of License

7. Burn Out

8. Autonomy- often times there is no doctor around. You rely on assessment skills and a return phone call. When in doubt send them out.

These are just a few of the reasons. I myself took a 3 year hiatus to gain experience in other fields. I Physically burned out after 5 years due to the stress of the job.

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Hi bonesrn! I am almost a new grad, living in NC--I will be graduating this May and am maybe interested in working in corrections. Do you still work at Central Prison? If so, I'd love to hear what advice you can share before I inquire about the job! Thank you!

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Specializes in IMCU.

So I will chime in here. I was banging on the Prison door to get into Correctional nursing. Finally did get in to a State Max Security prison. I have yet to have my security training nearly 3 months in. It is not even scheduled never mind other training. They've had high turnover. I have been left on my own on my PM shift with nearly 1000 inmates. They've hired some new nurses and there are between 5 and 7 on the am shift. So med passes and emergencies are all mine plus paper charting.

It is not OK. That might be something to do with high turnover.

So don't go near anywhere unless they have a stable nursing population. I like my boss and all but it just is not funny.

I can transfer in 6 months to another facility if I can manage to keep my sanity and licence. I literally walk around with my resignation in my pocket.

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@ entropysister...so true...you could be treating that murderer or molester at the hospital bedside as well...the one's in the prison are the just the ones who got caught.

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The turn over rate is insane. I have seen about 10 RN's come and leave since January at this place. It's a thankless job and it can be extremely dangerous. The problem I'd nurses just don't stay in corrections so they always are hiring.

Oh and we lose RN's when they fall in love with the inmates and get themselves fired. A very big problem in prisons.

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Reasons Ive seen for the high turnover

1. High Stress Environment

2. Inmate manipulation is Physically draining

3. Family concerns over possible danger in the workplace

4. Pay

5. Potential for Lawsuits

6. Potential for loss of License

7. Burn Out

8. Autonomy- often times there is no doctor around. You rely on assessment skills and a return phone call. When in doubt send them out.

These are just a few of the reasons. I myself took a 3 year hiatus to gain experience in other fields. I Physically burned out after 5 years due to the stress of the job.

We have 17 open LVN jobs and 6 open RN jobs. These openings are covered by involuntary forced over time. That in and of itself makes nurses not want to stay. It's not worth the money.

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Reasons Ive seen for the high turnover

1. High Stress Environment

2. Inmate manipulation is Physically draining

3. Family concerns over possible danger in the workplace

4. Pay

5. Potential for Lawsuits

6. Potential for loss of License

7. Burn Out

8. Autonomy- often times there is no doctor around. You rely on assessment skills and a return phone call. When in doubt send them out.

These are just a few of the reasons. I myself took a 3 year hiatus to gain experience in other fields. I Physically burned out after 5 years due to the stress of the job.

We have 17 open LVN jobs and 6 open RN jobs. These openings are covered by involuntary forced over time. That in and of itself makes nurses not want to stay. It's not worth the money.

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Like everyone else has mentioned: stress, mandates, inmate manipulation, and it's a fairly thankless job. Correctional nursing is not for everyone and it takes a pretty thick skin to get through the day sometimes. But I love the autonomy and flexible work schedule at my institution so for now I'm pretty happy.

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