GN Looking for a GN Correctional Nursing position

[Jarendt]

Good Morning/Evening Everyone,

I'm a recently new GN and I will be completing my ASN Nursing program in 1 month and looking to take my boards ASAP. I was looking at getting into correctional nursing and was looking for some pointers on how to apply. I know GNs are usually frowned upon working anywhere but on a Med-Surg floor, however, I have work in a level 2 trauma ICU as a patient care tech. for 10 years. Now, I know its not the same as working as a nurse but I feel as though with my 10 years of experience of working in a level two trauma ICU I have learned excellent time management skills and have been able to practice many of my skills. I was wondering if anyone knew of any possible way of becoming hired by a correctional facility as a new graduate nurse and know of any correctional facilities currently hiring in Florida (preferably the miami-dade area)? Any information is greatly appreciated!

[JustBeachyNurse, LPN]

How are you a GN if you haven't finished your nursing program? gN means graduate nurse who has completed a nursing program (ASN, BSN, or diploma) and graduated who has not yet taken the NCLEX- RN exam. By your description you will not be entitled to use the title of GN until next month. First you need to check with your board of nursing to see if temporary practice permits/ GN permits are issued as not all states do this ( NJ does not while PA does). In Florida it seems you must have approval from the board of nursing to use the title of GN and only AFTER you graduate and have received authorization to take the NCLEx. Second in the current market economy many facilities and institutions do not hire GNs as they already have enough already licensed RNs to choose from. However that doesn't mean that your shouldn't start applying now. Try searching online for the websites of the departments of corrections to see who they might contract medical services with. (Many prisons contract medical servic through a third party company)