How did you come to work in corrections?

renerian, BSN, RN · Apr 18, 2003

I never did corrections and I have posted before I think anyone that does is very brave. I was fingerprinted for work once at a prison and it gave me the creeps. I guess I am a whimp......

renerian

Orca, ADN, ASN, RN · Apr 23, 2003

The whole thing was rather ironic. I had a career in corrections (almost 16 years worth) in other areas before going into nursing. I got into nursing to get out of corrections.

The corrections job I currently hold started out as a per diem job. At the time I started in corrections, I was already working per diem on a geropsych unit at a local hospital, and was looking for a way to supplement my hours. An ad in the paper for a per diem position with the Nevada Department of Corrections caught my eye, and I worked an average of two shifts per month. A full-time offer was made about 90 days later. I got tired of paying out of pocket for my benefits (although I liked the flexibility that pure per diem gave me). The hospital offered me full-time also, but at about $7 per hour below my per diem rate, and a lot more work. The decision was easy in the end.

As for being fingerprinted...I had to go down to the Las Vegas Police Department to be fingerprinted for the background check for my Nevada nursing license. Getting printed at the prison was no different.

Chiaramonte · Apr 23, 2003

My husband and I actually interviewed for RN jobs at a maximum security prison in Upstate NY some years ago. We were lured by the pay and benefits.

We would be employed in the high risk area. While there they enacted a lock down because some dissent among the prisoners was erupting.

We never took the jobs because of the safety risks but also I realized I was somewhat claustrophobic when I realized that I had to unlock so many doors to get out of there. It felt like a maze. The prisoners who were there were catcalling and chattering their teeth. Spooked the heck out of me!

I do admire those of you who can do that kind of work under those conditions.

JedsMom, ASN, RN · Apr 23, 2003

I was a cop before I went to college to become a RN. I spent a few years in the ER after school and a short time in SICU. When the job came up for a Health Services Director for our local Sheriff's Office I gave it a shot. I will have been here 9 years now in June. It really doesn't bother me to work in a jail setting. Every day is an experience;) Anyway, how many 9-5 jobs are there in nursing with weekends and holidays off:) Pretty sweet some times, a pain at others. Just like anywhere I guess.

Orca, ADN, ASN, RN · Apr 24, 2003

NightMoon, I can understand your apprehension. A correctional setting isn't for everyone. Some people are chilled to the bone when those steel doors clang shut. As for me, I have spent most of my working life behind locked doors, in either mental health or correctional units. I suppose that I have become desensitized to it.

As for the catcalls and noise, they often go with the territory. Last night, I passed medication on the administrative segregation and disciplinary units. On one of the units (and in one quad in particular), the inmates were yelling and kicking doors. Some were yelling insults. I just smiled and shook my head.

I have very few problems with inmates. About 90 percent of the job is carrying yourself in a professional manner, and refusing to be drawn into a battle of words with the few who give you problems. I am usually bringing inmates something they want and, unlike in a hospital setting, I don't have to regard inmates as customers and try to placate them if they become verbally abusive.

Chiaramonte · Apr 24, 2003

"I am usually bringing inmates something they want and, unlike in a hospital setting, I don't have to regard inmates as customers and try to placate them if they become verbally abusive."...Orca

I never thought about it that way Orca...hmmmm interesting!!...no, don't think so...not for me!!

Still can't get rid of that apprehensive feeling being verbally abused...kudos to you Orca, you're my hero!!!

Orca, ADN, ASN, RN · Apr 24, 2003

Actually, you don't take much in the way of abuse. In most cases, it goes something like this.

Officer escorts inmate in. Inmate starts copping attitiude, demanding a certain type of treatment, complaining about how long he has had to wait before being seen, etc.

"Mr. (name), I will be glad to help you if we can discuss this calmly."

Inmate continues to jaw and gripe.

"You have one more chance to state your problem."

Inmate continues griping.

(Nurse to officer)"Get this guy out of here. This visit is over."

Officer escorts inmate to holding cell, then back to his unit.

You are never left alone with an inmate, and you are always in control of what happens and when.

Maybe this is a bit less fearsome.

Orca, ADN, ASN, RN · Apr 24, 2003