Experienced Nurse wanting a career change...!

[NICURNMB]

Hello All,

I have been researching correctional nursing and have decided to take the leap and make a career change. I have read most of the posts on this board which are very informative. What I have not found info on is what to ask during an interview, what would be the things I need to know, what did you ask or forget to ask and wanted to ask???:typing

I am in Ohio and have applied to about six different positions, in surrounding counties. Anyone working in any Ohio facilities???

Any advice comments would be appreciated.

Thanks,

Melissa, R.N.

[Truegem]

Wow, quite different from NICU and OB!

I do remember being asked about diabetes, and ETOH W/D. DT's (delerium tremens) is not "the shakes", lol! ETOH W/D - all VS will elevate, temp is usually the last one to elevate.

I would also brush up on S/Sx drug OD (ie; heroin) and drug W/D (again ie; heroin).

There was a little test with some questions about meds like Dilantin and Narcan and insulin I do recall.

I also remember they asked me my feelings about inmates getting medical care. I just said that I felt they had the right to medical care as any human being would.

They may ask you some security type questions to see your attitude toward inmates. Like if you think it's ok to date one, or befriend one, which, of course it is not ok while they are in custody. (Out of custody is a bit different, our policy is they must have been out of custody for one year for you to be allowed to be affiliated with them.)

When I interviewed, the interviewer answered most of the questions for me right after asking them, it was kind of weird. But it made it easy. I just nodded my head like I knew everything she was talking about.

Anyway, I work in a jail, so some of the security answers might be different for the prison system.

Good luck!

-Gem

[RosesrReder, BSN, MSN, RN]

I currently have 2 jobs. NICU and prison nursing (love both)

The only questions aside the usual interview questions I was asked were all pertaining to safety, security and triage.

It's not a bad idea to shadow and tag along for a medpass/intakes to get a 'feel' for this type of environment.

I work at a private federal prison with both males and females. Always something different going on.

Anyhow, once your background check and drug test clears, you should be able to shadow for a day.

Much luck to you!

[NICURNMB]

Just wanted to update everyone, I have 3 interviews next week, so wish me luck!!!

I appreciate the comments, keep it coming.

Melissa, R.N.

[OldMareLPN]

Couple of questions you might ask:

Are you issued a radio for all assignments or some of them. A radio during med pass may not be given, but you may have one in intake and receiving.

What assignments would you be covering. I & R, clinic, med pass, sick call, satellite overflow.

What items are you not allowed to bring in. Cell phone, pda, hats.

Are you doing med pass in the pods or outside in the hallway.

What are the procedures to sign up for extra hours.

How is end of month MAR changes handled.

Are meds inmate specific.

Do you do your own wound changes, blood draws, ekgs, urines.

How are med stats handled.

What are the uniform standards including makeup, jewelry, and hair.

What are you not allowed to tell inmates, or contact prohibited.

Where will you park.

Where will you eat.

Lockers?

How are sharps handled? Are they counted, signed for. How is BID accuchecks handled? On the floor, in the clinic. How are shots administered.

What are the top three complaints made about nurses.

Thats a start......good luck!