Interviewing for Corrections

Specialties Correctional

Published

I'm fairly new to this site and probably should have started a "new" thread - but I might as well as jump in right here. I am leaving LTC after 4+ years and have applied for a position in a correctional facility. They will be calling me on Monday to set up a convenient time for an on-site interview. Since I have not done correctional nursing before this - I am asking advice from anyone who would like to share some FYI's . What questions should I ask during the interview - and what can I expect being a nurse in this setting???Any advice will be greatfully appreciated........

Specializes in Geriatrics/Oncology/Psych/College Health.

Littleplaynurse,

I split off your question so it didn't get lost in the other thread. Hope you get some answers :).

Thanks - as you can see I haven't mastered this site yet - I realize I probably should have posted a "new thread" instead of replying to someone else's.......I am anxious to see if anyone replies before the weekend is over.......thanks again.

hi!

i have worked in correctional nursing for over 6 years now.

i have also worked ltc in the past.

the facility i work in has an acute and sub-acute unit. we also care for 1500 incarcerated individuals.

i enjoy the work, but there are things that happen there more frequently than in a "regular" hospital setting.

most of the inmates that i care for are respectful. there are some who are not. having a non-confrontational approach is a good idea. if i am having problems with an inmate...i will try to calm them down and then if they still are being disruptive i will ask them to lock down until they have calmed down and i will talk to them later.

you will find that you treat a lot of disorders that you would in a "regular" facility. diabetes, htn, thyroid problems, depression, etc. some facilities allow the inmates to have their medication on their person (our facility does not).

i really like working corrections, but i also understand that it is not for everyone. remember that most of these people will try to con you every single day. keep things to a strict professional level. don't allow them into your private life at all. watch what you say at all times. some of them are looking for information...others are looking to file a lawsuit.

in ltc nursing, i found that you could hold a patients hand, touch their arm, etc. in corrections...this is just not the way to go. any "extra" touch can be misconstrued as a sexual advance.

i am not sure what other information you are looking for.

sometimes the pay is good...at other facilities it isn't.

benefits are usually good.

ask if there is mandatory overtime.

ask what protection protocals are in place for the medical staff.

if you have anything else you can either e-mail me privately or just post again on here.

good luck in your new career!

always,

lvnprntlc :twocents:

Specializes in OR, PACU, Corrections.
Thanks - as you can see I haven't mastered this site yet - I realize I probably should have posted a "new thread" instead of replying to someone else's.......I am anxious to see if anyone replies before the weekend is over.......thanks again.

When is you interview?? Look at you PM's I sent you one

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