Interview at Coalinga

Jailhouse nurse · Mar 19, 2009

My suggestions would be to keep in mind that security comes first, that medical does not run the show, and demonstrate that you are flexible and willing to learn about this new environement. Based on the fact that you are actively soliciting advice for the interview, it sounds as if you are exactly that. :yeah:

And remember that they must have been impressed by your resume, 'cause they want to interview you!

Wishing you luck!

Mary

lifecycle1898 · Apr 19, 2009

I worked at Atascadero in the 70's. Not to minimize your pre-interview anxiety but the interview back then was pretty low key. Those are not easy positions for them to fill. What are they offering for pay?

One point they make is that if you are ever held hostage, they will not give into demands of the hostage takers. Your talking about violent sexual predators. Know your psych meds and side effects. Back then Nursing staff were also responsible for contraband searches.

healinghands209 · Apr 20, 2009

Thanks for your input. They start around $7200 which is pretty good but I have decided not to persue Coalinga afterall. I'm now looking at Napa State Hospital (minimum security, beautiful grounds and close to home!) let me know if you have any experience good/bad or otherwise there.

lifecycle1898 · Apr 21, 2009

I've worked at Metropolitan, Fairview and Atascadero. I think Napa used to be a combo hospital. DD and MI. Fairview was all DD and the most difficult working conditions I have ever experienced. Metro minimum security and the most dangerous place I've ever worked. Back then they held the record for most comp cases.

jujube · May 3, 2009

I've worked at Metropolitan, Fairview and Atascadero. I think Napa used to be a combo hospital. DD and MI. Fairview was all DD and the most difficult working conditions I have ever experienced. Metro minimum security and the most dangerous place I've ever worked. Back then they held the record for most comp cases.

I also heard about Metro being dangerous place to work... a psych tech at Metro was struck by a table that an inmate/patient threw at her during a riot a few years back. She never returned to work there and has permanent disability.

Are there any current openings at Napa? Last time I checked (back in March), I was told there were no openings.

healinghands209 · May 3, 2009

There are no current openings but they do expect to have a few toward the begining of June. I haven't looked into Metro but I'm sure there are plenty of horror stories at any of the forensic facilities. Do you currently work in corrections?

tirzo13 · May 29, 2009

There are assaults at all the Mental Hospitals.

the table incident was a few years ago!!!

something happens all the time!!!!

a women was nearly beat to death not too long ago at ASH, in a week period on my unit at NAPA, staff had cup of urine thrown in her face, another day staff was punched in the back of her head.

THIS stuff happens all the time in all DMH facilities.

does not happen in prisons.

Some people say Napa is better, but i worked there, same things happen as at ASH, Metro, Coalinga etc.

Tons of people on disability at all of them, mental and physical.

You want safer state job with same pay and retirement, work corrections.

If you want to avoid criminals, slight less pay and retirement work at the state veterans homes.

less pay, less retirement, harder physical work, try state DDS.

Resume has little to do with anything, they need warm bodies, they can't be super selective.

Not saying they will hire anyone, but when you work with some of the staff, it will seem like it.

All i can say is find a state facility close to your home and give it a try. It may or may not be for you.

Assaults are the same everywhere. And if you are the only one with a broken nose, does not matter if there are 10 more at Napa or 30 more at another facility.

healinghands209 · May 29, 2009

Thanks for the honest advice. Napa is currently on a hiring freeze anyways (1st time in over 12 years I think). Don't know about any of the other state facilities.

tirzo13 · May 29, 2009

they are on a state hiring freeze because of the budget. not because of staffing.

state has been giving layoff warning notices.

some of the other facilities have still been going thru the hiring process instead of halting altogether, but staff is needed, they are just being cautious right now.