Donovan

K9lover, ASN, RN · Feb 6, 2018

I have an interview at Donovan in San Diego next week and would love any info on how it is working there. I am brand new to correctional nursing and I am sooo ready to get out of bedside nursing. My main questions are:
What is a typical shift like? Can you work 4 10's? Are you assigned specific patients? Besides oral meds, what are typical tasks like? Any and all info is greatly appreciated!

Oh I could go on forever about what I like about corrections. put on that BS meter because you will see a lot of fake seizures! The inmates greatest goal (2nd only after being acquitted) is going to the hospital, the bed/food/meds are much better and some will say/do anything to get hospitalized. The hours are generally set I think, they only do 12/H shifts in the jail I work. Much smaller staff which is nice. You will get to know your colleagues.

Much more controlled environment which is really nice. I see my patients for sick call; always a deputy within visual, you are much better protected than in a hospital.

Emergencies pop up so triage is a good skill.

Mainly minor issues such as colds and athletes foot, providers on site weekdays and a jail doc always on call. Much more autonomy which is nice but always watch your back. Inmates love to get their hands on anything they can use for tattoos so keep an eye on your supplies.

Inmates usually courteous but practice boundaries on your end. No personal chit-chat such as you would have in a hospital, avoid any discussion of your personal life.

A lot of inmates have too much time to fret over minor issues; they may have had that little skin discoloration for a decade outside of custody but it will become the focus of their day in custody.And you are going by the deputy's schedule. If there is a lock-down you are not going to see your patients for sick call; we are in their house.

Be prepared to put on a mask and see a dozen unexpected patients if the pepper-ball is used. Getting in fights is one of the national past-times, while most can be tended to on site be prepared to call your doc to send out patients for broken hands, split lips and nasal fractures

I'm sure they will cover this but if someone is being taken to clinic/hospital for a planned procedure do not ever tell them the date of procedure. You can give a 'ball-park' but not the date (and document that you did not tell them the date.)

A lot of documentation so use it wisely. Lawsuits are the national past time as many people think only getting Ibuprofen for pain is cruel and unusual punishment. Brush up on dental as you will be seeing a lot of toothaches which is something we don't really do in hospitals. A lot of terrible teeth. When you document you will want to say tooth #3 evidences extensive decay.

You will get to know some inmates such as diabetics as they come out for BS checks, a lot of abscess type wounds from IV drug use. Don't let your guard down ever, I have cared for some of the most polite patients who committed rapes/homicides on the outside.

Be prepared at times to handle severe injuries, suicide/homicide attempts, use the EMS basics such as not moving a patient with possible spinal injury; you cannot just jump in as the scene has to be safe. If a patient is down the deputy's need to ensure the scene is safe. Mainly routine issues; headaches, backaches, cold & flu. Communal living and all. Best of luck to you!