Former hospital nurses got a ? or anyone who can answer

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:typingIm curious to know why correctional nurses get paid more than the nurses who may work in the hospital or LTC.

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:typingIm curious to know why correctional nurses get paid more than the nurses who may work in the hospital or LTC.

Well, in some places the pay is more and in others it is less. When I was working in MD, the pay with less than the hospitals. I've been told it is less here in AZ, but I haven't applied at any hospitals, so I can't be sure. It probably depends on how difficult it is for the state or contractor to fill the positions. Unlike working in a hospital, oftentimes the correctional nurse is alone with no one else to bounce questions, opinions, assessment off. That can be stressful. Also, there is probably an increased level of danger--atlest perceived danger. That being said, the pace is generally a bit slower than the hospitals and I enjoy the work. Also, I wouldn't change jobs for $1 or $2 an hour. I pay about 1/2 my money in taxes, so the difference is minimal.

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In my area the pay is compariable; however, the small difference is related to the challenge of recruiting nurses.

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I was making 26.50 when I left the ICU. I now make and this is starting wage 42.02 an hour. I think one reason is the perceived danger and enviroment that we work in. Really though it isn't as dangerous as the outside. I have my own personal alarm so if I hit the office and guards will know exactly where I am at. If I work on one of the yards I have at least one or two guards at all times in the office. To answer your question the state of California has a pretty big pocket book compared to any of the hospitals. Also they came under federal receivership which rose the wages to attract and retain good nurses.

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Specializes in forensic psych, corrections.

I'd guess supply and demand. There are a larger number of nurses willing to work in area hospitals -- at least here -- so they don't have to pay higher salaries to attract them.

I went to corrections from a psychiatric hospital and make $5 an hour more.

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Specializes in Addictions, Corrections, QA/Education.

I agree with the perceived danger. I like to call it hazard pay! :)

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The major differences a nurse new to corrections would notice is accountability & security issues. For example, nurse have long been used to being able to carry our own scissors to work. These could easily be used as weapons. Scissors, syringes (even those without needles), must all be taken out of a secured pyxis (in our institution)and, once used, disposed of in sharps containers. A lost pair of scissors would necessitate a complete lock down and search until they were found. This actually occurred on our unit and resulted in strip searches of the inmates.

Upon arrival to work, I go through security screening like you would encounter at an airport. Unfortunately, not all staff members are trustworthy, and this is how a lot of contraband makes it in to institutions. Cell phones are strictly not allowed on the premises!

Even hand sanitizers are in locked dispensers. There are likely institutional policies that govern such items as glass bottles you might bring in--the glass could be used as weapons. Silverware you might bring it to eat your lunch are objects that could be filed down and made into shanks. Plastic containers you might discard could be used to brew "hooch." Beware accumulations of fruit (i.e. orange peels)--they can brew hooch out of some pretty disgusting things.

A lost key.....especially a Folger Adam key, would cost you your job. I couldn't possibly count the number of times I have to lock and unlock doors each day......even to go to the bathroom. The nurses station is all enclosed and never left unlocked unless another nurse is in there. Extension cords could be used for escape, so they are checked in and out.

The caring, compassionate nurse who is used to being a problem solver has to be on guard because we are in an environment of master manipulators.

There is so much more. Correctional nursing is such a dual role, but it is the most rewarding job I've ever had. The ones that can make your life MOST miserable is OTHER STAFF MEMBERS! (Can I hear an Amen?)

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Specializes in Case Management, Corrections, Home Care.

The ones that can make your life MOST miserable is OTHER STAFF MEMBERS! (Can I hear an Amen?)

I couldn't agree with you more!

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Specializes in EMS, Clinic, Hospice, Corrections.

hi

I am considering applying for a position in corrections, if I am sucessful I would sure appreciate a heads up on the comments about the other staff members, I fear that I was terminated from my first hospital job because I did not appreciate the importance of politics, for lack of a better word, maybe listened to the wrong people, I want to be better prepared next time !!!

thanks sue

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Not familiar with correctional nursing...may I ask what a Folger Adam key is?

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This is a folger adam key. It is used to open doors and food slots. If an inmate gets a hold of one of these it's a recipe for disaster.

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I work for a prison in Arkansas and the pay is lower than the local hospitals. I am working PRN and the differential is only 50 cents an hour which I think is pretty pathetic. The stress is far lower though and the only place I don't like to go is segregation.

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