Inquiring about correctional facility job opportunities in California...

Published

I graduated from nursing school in May 2010 and passed the boards in Sep 2010. I would like to gain experience working in a correctional facility. My question: Does anyone know of any jobs that are open to hiring a new graduate? Thanks.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Hello dark angel - you sound like me! Actually, I feel like we may have been classmates...I want to school in San Leandro and also graduated in May. I also passed my board exam in September/October. I was told just today by the director of career services at my school that the correctional facilities here are hiring new grads. But I've applied and have heard nothing. I even spoke with a recruiter at a prison directly and he said my experience in school is not acceptable experience for the state correctional facilities.

After reading hundreds of posts on this board, it looks like getting a job in CA as a new grad is virtually impossible unless you know someone directly at a facility.

Are you an RN or LVN? I'm an LVN.

I'm trying not to give up, but I'm thinking of relocating for a year just to get that first year under my belt.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Hello, ElleVeeEnn. I actually received my LVN degree in Southern California, but I am from the Bay Area. I haven't found anyone hiring up here, so I decided to go up north this upcoming week to see if I have any luck. There has been one person from my class who has found something. She's working in a cancer clinic.

I'm glad you're not giving up and neither am I. We just have to keep applying and one day someone is going to call and virtually hire us.

Have you tried and nursing registries? I've heard that some are hiring, but it's really slow or they're over staffed.

Where do you plan on relocating?

Up Vote Up Vote ×

indeed.com look there. Elmwood in milpitas hires lvn's Iam from cali but relocated

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Thank you. I'm going to check out that website.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

I'm not sure you need prior experience, you just have to pass an assessment. This is a link from the CDCR website

http://www.cdcr.ca.gov/Career_Opportunities/HR/OPS/Exams/Exams_Medical/PDFs/9RC21.pdf

Hope this helps!!

Up Vote Up Vote ×

So far most job postings that I've viewed and/or applied to say they require 1 year experience and the clinical rotations don't count. Dark Angel - your username sounded like an email address of one of my classmates. I worked in a different industry completely unrelated to nursing and am thinking of temping in that field. It's so hard to get that first nursing job! I'm willing to relocate anywhere for my first nursing job. But maybe I'm just too impatient. I've only been looking for 2 or 3 weeks.

I've gotten a couple of nibbles and that's raised my spirits some. I'm just gonna keep on applying ... maybe pick up some CNA work to get my foot in the door somewhere. I got my CNA "license" awhile back; maybe get some use out of that.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

You two should contact Solvere Inc. It is an agency that contracts with the CA prison system. Last i heard they are looking for LVNs and will accept new grads.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Thank you Stacybake and devinenurse. I really appreciate your help.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
+ Join the Discussion