Corrections Nurse vs Clincial Nurse

Specialties Correctional

Published

So, I'm wondering what the diff is between a nurse who works in a correctional facility and a nurse who works in a hospital despite the obvious. I am a new grad and am wondering if i'll lose my skills starting out as a nurse in a corrections facility and i'm wondering the difference in pay, too. I live in California and I have an interview lined up next week for a correctional facility in Fairfield. I also am applying to the San Diego County corrections facility. Any advice??

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Specializes in Psych, corrections.

Hi, Nurse This!

I work in a correctional facility, and really do find that I use all, my nursing skills...and some they didn't teach me in school. Working in a correctional environement means you have to be ready for anything from an inmate hanging to stabbings, toyour patients trying to steal sharps (syringes, needles to make tattoo guns, scalpels). Corrections is not for everyone, but it is never boring, and certainly the best job I've ever had as a nurse.

I do wish you the best, and hope corrections is as good for you as it has been for me!

Mary

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Specializes in Psych, corrections.

...oops-pardon the comma after the "all"

am a little tired!

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Specializes in Psych, corrections.

oh, crud- also forgot to leave a space between "to" and "your".

Here's to better editing in future posts!

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I worked in a "Jail" not a prison. There's a large difference. I would say you need to be very cautious about working for a company that contracts nurses to work in the Jail. I can only speak from my experience ... and it was awful. I loved the job, and working with the prisoners, it's the nurses and the nurse "manager (very underqualified)" that were the messed up ones.

Now, working at a facility such as a state federal pen, you will probably have more of a chance to use your clinical skills. You won't get the clinical experience that you would starting on a medical surgical floor. That's the God's honest truth.

All I can say is be careful. God bless the nurses, who are actually good people, caring for good people who have made mistakes, and wound up in jail.

Loved the job, found very little professionalism in that environment.

Joe, RN

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wow, these are all very interesting responses. i at a point right now where as a new grad, i just want to start working already, but haven't received any responses for interviews. i am growing restless and frustrated and i need to pay my rent! i am a little intimidated about working within a corrections facility. i am a small framed 25 year old, so i don't want to be the target for any negativity (or anything else) from inmates OR staff. Jailhouse Nurse, how long have you been working in corrections and how are your hours? how was the training??...

thanks for the words of wisdom everyone!

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i am a small framed 25 year old, so i don't want to be the target for any negativity (or anything else) from inmates OR staff.

Size doesn't have anything to do with it. Showing the inmates respect, just as you would anyone else, is what they expect. We were taught in Nursing school to treat everyone equally, regardless of their backgrounds. Also, always show respect towards the Correctional Officers. They've got your back.

I've been a correctional RN for almost a year now. It's the best job I've ever had. I treat the inmates as my patients. Just like in any other job, you run across some jerks. But, for the most part, they are very grateful if you treat them with respect.

I've learned a lot since being in corrections. It's a different set of skills. Regardless of where you go to work, you're not gonna learn it all. Corrections is another place to learn.

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Hi, I just came from a hiring interview for correctional nurse in solano state prison, Vacaville. I am a new graduate. Is there anyone out there who has worked for this institution? I should know if I am hired within the next week. I have never worked or know anyone who worked in a prison as an RN. I have always thought I will try corrections at some point for the experience, but didnt realize it would be this soon. I am not nervous about the inmated but more about my hope to work with staff that are competent, qualified, provides adequate training and likes what they are doing. There is nothing more frustrating than working with someone who does not want to be there.

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Also, are there folks out there who went back to the hospital after experience in the correctional facilities? did you have an ok transition and did your experience in corrections help you land hospital jobs?

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Specializes in GERIATRICS AND PRISON.

Hi

I have been a correctional nurse with the Federal system for over 10 years. I love it but have lost some of my clinical skills. We have every thing that the outside world has, just throw in the fights, etc. You need critical thinking skills, good education skill. I find that I do a lot of teaching. Not sure that it sinks in but I try. I have always told the inmates that I am in charge. They know I will look into their problem, but they do not get to tell me what to do.

Have fun with it. Do not wear tight, flirty clothings, and listen to what is going on around you that will help you out. Inmates have nothing to lose by manipulating you.:nurse:

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Specializes in Psych, corrections.
wow, these are all very interesting responses. i at a point right now where as a new grad, i just want to start working already, but haven't received any responses for interviews. i am growing restless and frustrated and i need to pay my rent! i am a little intimidated about working within a corrections facility. i am a small framed 25 year old, so i don't want to be the target for any negativity (or anything else) from inmates or staff. jailhouse nurse, how long have you been working in corrections and how are your hours? how was the training??...

thanks for the words of wisdom everyone!

i've worked corrections for about nine years. twelve hour shifts. training was "on the job", but never found anyone not willing to help me out with information or suggestions.

wishing you well, :D

mary

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Specializes in Management, Emergency, Psych, Med Surg.

I have been a nurse for 31 years. I have worked at a woman's prison. I am glad that I had experience before working there because the prison environment is a very manipulative one. I think having so much experience kept me from getting into trouble.

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