I have been a nurse for about 6 years. I have worked in an IMCU, corrections health, emergency department, and tried out a primary care clinic. I have desperately tried to make nursing work for me. Throughout my years of nursing I have been over worked in each setting, and have seen my home life and mental health deteriorate. I am the only financial supporter in my family, but I knew that I could not work in the field much longer. I made the decision so take a gamble and take a seasonal job doing construction/utility maintenance for $18/hr with no benefits hoping that it would lead to a full time position. I planned this move for about 2 years saving money to be able to make this work. Well I made the move, landed a full time position, and I couldn't be happier! I had no idea how good life could be outside of nursing. The field of nursing took over my life more than I knew. It is still difficult for me to let go of my nursing license because I worked so hard for it. But now I am home on weekends, get holidays off, and I spend more quality time with my family. While I am with my family I do not have yesterdays work in the back of my mind. If nurses were treated better and no overworked I would probably still be a nurse. So, for those of you looking to get out of the field... with careful planning it can be done.
Can I ask, are you a male? Is this setting safe for females? I am hearing about short-staffing In some prisons where nurses are expected to fill in as prison guards? Crazy!!
I am a female RN and worked Corrections for 10 years. I would still be there if the county (jail) hadn't replaced the county nurses with agency staff. There was never a feeling of being unsafe, ever. There is always an officer with you. And, they can't have a nurse substitute as a guard - they don't have the training and the liability would be huge! Best job I ever had!!
Jesijams, RN
17 Posts
I am a female RN and worked Corrections for 10 years. I would still be there if the county (jail) hadn't replaced the county nurses with agency staff. There was never a feeling of being unsafe, ever. There is always an officer with you. And, they can't have a nurse substitute as a guard - they don't have the training and the liability would be huge! Best job I ever had!!