Corrections /Jail good experience for public health??

RN.38SPCL · Jun 12, 2008

Hello! I'm a LVN working on Med-Surg and will be starting a RN program in a few months. Where I live, we need a BS degree to become a public health nurse.
Until i get my BS degree, would working in a correctional facility or county jail help me in public health? I really do not like med-surg, I'm comfortable with it but it's just not for me.
What do you guys think?

I can't believe you got 0 responses on this. Corrections is an area of Public Health. You are treating a population of people you seldom come across in a healthcare setting. this population for numerous reasons, do not seek health care and by the time you get them, they can have a health condition that is very close to if not out of control. They lack education as well. you will find yourself treating and teaching about community aquired illnesses as well as very basic instruction on anatomy and physiology, simple personal hygiene practices, how disease is spread and how to avoid it. you'll be learning about lifestyles/choices and the healthcare problems that develope. You will need to be up to date and in communication with the centers for disease control on numerous issues. On one hand it is not an attractive job to most, but incredibly interesting.

mizfradd, CNA · Jun 16, 2008

I can't believe you got 0 responses on this. Corrections is an area of Public Health. You are treating a population of people you seldom come across in a healthcare setting. this population for numerous reasons, do not seek health care and by the time you get them, they can have a health condition that is very close to if not out of control. They lack education as well. you will find yourself treating and teaching about community aquired illnesses as well as very basic instruction on anatomy and physiology, simple personal hygiene practices, how disease is spread and how to avoid it. you'll be learning about lifestyles/choices and the healthcare problems that develope. You will need to be up to date and in communication with the centers for disease control on numerous issues. On one hand it is not an attractive job to most, but incredibly interesting.

Wow, that's an excellent definiton of public health! :yeah:

In addition to being up-to-date with CDC communications, you'll also remain in touch with up-to-date training with NIMS, (National Incident Management System) as well as FEMA. You will also go out into the community occasionally for DOT (Direct Observation Therapy).

It's a very rewarding job!!

Ion · Jun 16, 2008

Part of public health is taking care of the under represented, the sick, the needy and that includes inmates. There is some dignity in that.

Corrections is a good experience for anyone. You learn to deal with difficult people, usually learn at least one new curse word, and you realize your mom and dad weren't as bad as you thought they were, and how lucky you are to have them.