Ironwood or Chuckawalla for a new grad?

katkonk, BSN, RN · Oct 28, 2009

There is one thread that has been going for a couple of years (I think) on the issue of whether Correctional nursing is for a new grad. Look back through some old posts...you will find it. Don't know about those facilities, though.

LB49er · Oct 28, 2009

Thank you for your reply. Yes, I have read the posts and they are not recent, which is why I was inquiring again. I know a prison is probably a prison no matter which facility it is. I'm on the fence and am trying to decide if this is a good place to start for a new grad. The money and benefits are unbeatable no doubt...but do CF RN's get job satisfaction in helping their patients, i.e. seeing a patient get well, seeing the results of patient education, lifestyle changes etc.?

From the posts I read, it sounds like a rough job, meaning always having to watch your back or dealing with inmates who want to fake symptoms to get attention and so on. I feel like I would miss the commraderie of working in a hospital. Also, it's disturbing to think that I would be treating murderers, rapists etc. who are now entitled to free health care...like a reward for comitting a violent act. Most of these people probably didn't have health ins. when they were on the outside. Anyhow, thoese are the things on my mind. I'm sure I'm not the only person who has had these concerns and questions.

Thank You.

Orca, ADN, ASN, RN · Oct 28, 2009

Yes, I have read the posts and they are not recent, which is why I was inquiring again.

Just because posts are not recent doesn't mean that they have no merit. The environment and its suitability for new grads has not changed.

do CF RN's get job satisfaction in helping their patients, i.e. seeing a patient get well, seeing the results of patient education, lifestyle changes etc.?

Absolutely. We often provide the first health education inmates have ever had, or sometimes it is the first time things have been explained in a way they can understand. Some have had no health care at all. We also perform education when an inmate is diagnosed with a condition or disease that he or she didn't know existed. The tests that we do during intake often provide the first diagnosis of conditions like diabetes and HIV, as well as kidney and liver problems and other conditions.

Also, it's disturbing to think that I would be treating murderers, rapists etc. who are now entitled to free health care...like a reward for comitting a violent act.

If you are bringing that attitude inside the fences, corrections isn't where you need to be. Health care is not a reward for anything. Once the state assumes custody they also assume responsibility for providing basic needs. Medical staff is not there to punish inmates. The courts have already done that by taking away their freedom.

I make it a point not to inquire about the crimes inmates have committed, as I don't want it to affect the care that is delivered.

Most of these people probably didn't have health ins. when they were on the outside.

This is also true of many people who are unemployed. Lack of health insurance is not a reason to degrade people.

katkonk, BSN, RN · Oct 28, 2009

Ditto to Orca. GOOD post, Orca!! Besides, many of the people you treat in state prisons are there for non-violent offenses-i.e. usually drugs. But, that doesn't really matter. You will likely not know what they are in for, unless an employee that has been around a while tells you, or you go to the trouble to look it up. And Orca is absolutely correct....the attitude that they are now getting a "perk" does NOT belong behind the walls of the institution. I think from all the other things you mentioned, that it is likely you would not do well in corrections. Also, I firmly believe it is NO place for a new grad. GREAT place once you have about 2 years experience under your belt.

work&play · Oct 28, 2009

I was wondering why the person posting is inquiring about correctional nursing? I bet it's the pay. He/she definately the perfect candidate for a LTC.

Anyway, I have 7 years of experience as a CNA. I got in the elgibility list. I was wondering what a CNAs do in a CA correctional facility?

Orca, ADN, ASN, RN · Oct 28, 2009

Also, I firmly believe it is NO place for a new grad. GREAT place once you have about 2 years experience under your belt.

That is my take as well. All of our RN positions require at least a year of experience, and it would have to be exceptional experience for me to consider someone even then. With the economy declining our applicant pools are becoming larger and more experienced, and we have turned down people who two years ago wouldn't have left the interview room without a job offer.

Eirene, ASN, RN · Oct 29, 2009

The money and benefits are unbeatable no doubt...but do CF RN's get job satisfaction in helping their patients, i.e. seeing a patient get well, seeing the results of patient education, lifestyle changes etc.?

Absolutely. I feel like I actually make a difference every single day. Sometimes we are the only advocates these guys have. I'd say 75% of the inmates really care about their health and are receptive to the teaching/learning process.

From the posts I read, it sounds like a rough job, meaning always having to watch your back or dealing with inmates who want to fake symptoms to get attention and so on.

It is a tough job, but I can't imagine myself doing anything else. You do have to be aware of your surroundings at all times. Your clincical skills have to be exceptional to determine if it is a crisis situation or not. I've learned that I have to rely on my gut feelings. They are typically correct, but I've had a few inmates (more than I care to count that have fooled me.

Also, it's disturbing to think that I would be treating murderers, rapists etc. who are now entitled to free health care...like a reward for comitting a violent act.

I try to make it a point NOT to know what crimes they committed. It is an absolute must that we do not judge them. Some of the inmates do abuse the system; I'd say 10% do abuse the system. We have a policy where we (nurses) charge anywhere from a $2 to $3 co-pay for our services. A majority of the guys only make $17/month. That is a good chunk of money when you put that into consideration.

Most of these people probably didn't have health ins. when they were on the outside. Anyhow, thoese are the things on my mind. I'm sure I'm not the only person who has had these concerns and questions.
Thank You.

And that is what makes my job so rewarding. So many of the inmates didn't have access to healthcare on the outside. They truly do not understand what is going on with their bodies. Teaching the disease process and healthcare maintenance takes up a majority of my daily duties. And, yes- a lot of us had these concerns when we signed up for the job. My views have changed so much since working inside the walls.

If you decide to go into corrections as a new grad- you're going to have a rough time at first. We have a nurse who did go into corrections when she was a new grad- and she is one of our strongest nurses (she was a C.O. while she went through school). It can be done. I do not recommend it without having hospital experience. You can always go for it- you could be the exception to the rule- who knows? All you can do is try.

Good luck!