How long was your training prior to actually working in the prison?

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Specializes in Surgery 27 years.

I am changing my nursing profession from 27 years of Surgery nursing. I have lots of questions about what to expect after I actually get a position in Corrections nursing. Who better to ask than those who have been in the profession for a long time? Any help is much appreciated. Thank you.

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Specializes in Pysch, Corrections, MedSurg.

I had two weeks of orientation....I must also say that I work in a county jail where we house either those sentenced a year or less or those who commited big crimes and are waiting sentencing. I wish I had more orientation but they disagreed with me. I just askede alot of questions and pick the brains of the more experience CO nurses.

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Specializes in ER- Correctional.

I worked in an ER for 7-8 years prior to Corrections. The hospital I worked in, had a Hospital Based Ambulance Service, that covered 5 counties...So although small in comparison to other ER's, we were busy & saw a lot of different emergencies.

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I had about 3 weeks training. You'll have to go to the Corrections Training Academy-- it is 3 weeks long and it is the same training that the CO's go through.

All together it was 6 weeks.

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My orientation from beginning to end os supposed to be 3 weeks, although I heard it'll be 6 months before I learn everything I need to know! :eek:

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Specializes in Medsurg, home health, ob and rehab.

:Dmy training was 1 1/2 wk. now on my own but still ask tons of question q day. nurses getting anoyed but i dont care. i want to know how to do things the right way.

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Specializes in Surgery 27 years.

Thanks to all for the answers. I am still searching for a correctional nursing position. I really love the way you help each other and create comradery. I would hope that the present nurses at the various facilities would be as helpful. I've been told that most are helpful but there are others that seem to be ****** off if they have to do anything.

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I help plan orientation and inservicing for correctional facilities. Our orientation is 4-6 weeks, but it is hard to accomplish if they are short staffed. Be sure to ask specifics about the orientation you would get when you interview. Good luck to you as you start your corrections adventure. Stay in touch with this group to get support and questions answered.

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