Just got my letter for Pelican Bay...questions!!!

Vikingkitten · Dec 20, 2010

Wow! Pelican Bay! The scumbags of the scumbags are there, as I'm sure your Uncle told you. Had an experience with an inmate there in a Surgical setting at a nearby Hospital once, and all I can say is you Corrections Nurses are the gutsiest Nurses I've ever met!

misty_dawn · Dec 20, 2010

I have yet to be a corrections nurse...thinking about it so that I can move my family up to that beautiful area.... just needing some info on it is all.

Thanks

AltaEnfermera · Dec 22, 2010

Dah! I'm horribly jealous! The facility in which I worked was minimum security, so there was a much greater freedom of movement/interaction with nursing staff, inmate wise. Although you'll probably get to deal with more emergent, "use of force" situations, my understanding is that 'supermax' entails 23 hr/day lock down; if it's like the special housing "seg" at my unit, you'll deliver meds through the tray slots in the doors, and if you have to enter a cell to assess/treat an inmate, he'll more likely than not be in cuffs, if not full restraints with at least 1-2 C/Os present. Same goes for clinic visits. High security offenders don't leave their cells without cuffs, leg shackles, and a Martin chain, at least in Texas. So safety wise, you'll have a much higher degree of supervision and security somewhere like PB than you would at a lower level facility.

As for working hours, I can't speak for that area, but I always got all the OT I wanted and then some! Of course, I was contract, so this could be different. Also, is it a union position? That can change the working environment a great deal.

Personally, I would say go for it. Safety is a question in any field of nursing, and I've felt much more threatened in LTC/psych than I ever did in prison. Plus the pay is usually awesome, you'll develop awesome assessment skills, and you'll get tons of experience with tons of different conditions and situations. I also found that I loved the camaraderie of prison work; everyone has each others' back when things get icky, even though they may not get along otherwise. Can you tell I miss it, lol??

kneal · Dec 23, 2010

Hi, I jsut got hired at High Desert. I've also heard it is safer than a lower level security because of the amount of CO's. Two nurses were murdered here in CA last month. One in Napa State and one in Contra Costa. I know the napa state is really low level the pt. are just walking around in and outside with no security. I would take it. No more furlough days and as much ot as you can handle. The beginning of orientation is all about safety, inmate/tattoo and protocol on how to handle inmates. I would take it too!!!!

misty_dawn · Dec 26, 2010

I am really keeping my fingers crossed that I get an interview. I placed 3rd out of 17 and from what I have researched they have to at least hire from the top three positions and there is more than one opening. I really really hope that I can get it and move my family from this dreaded San Joaquin Valley where it is making my kiddos sick. The letters were due by the 23rd so hopefully in a few weeks I will find out about an interview. Maybe, we shall see.

kneal · Dec 29, 2010

its ok to call the hr rep in a couple of weeks and ask about the process. i happened to call to check on my application the day they were going to call for interviews.

BSNin2008 · Jan 4, 2011

KNEAL, did I understand you correctly and CA no longer has furlough days for RN's? That would be awesome news! I applied to 4 positions today, all in So. Cal. How are you liking it so far?

kneal · Jan 4, 2011

correct, no more furlough days. it ended in november. thanks for asking about me. i start 1/18. i move from the bay area tomorrow. ill be sure to let you know. good luck. lots of overtime and experience to be had! when you go to interview definitely read the correction interview thread. it was right on target with my interview

BSNin2008 · Jan 4, 2011

Wow, congrats to you and thanks for answering my questions. I have a good feeeling about this and I am really hoping to hear back from them. I know it will take awhile but I've learned alot of patience in this economy. Good luck on your new job and keep us posted!

misty_dawn · Jan 4, 2011

No furlough days is awesome, and overtime would be really helpful for me since if I get this job I have to move to Northern Cali about a month before my hubby and kids. I am still awaiting to hear back for my interview and keeping my fingers crossed. I will definately get read the interview questions before I head up there.

Do you remember any of the questions you were asked in the interview?

Misty

kneal · Jan 4, 2011

i am reluctact to give exact questions because i signed a release stating i wouldnt. but i will tell you how i prepared. i think it will be helpful because i got the job as a new bsn grad with no medical, emt, military or corrections experience and all the others i met waiting to interview had psych or medical experience. they asked if i had acls. i do. they want to know if you are flexible, willing to work mandatory ot and willing to follow instructions. for medical questions i studied all the diseases one would expect to find in a prison and triage/ trauma response. my best advice is study the interview thread!!!! it totally prepared me for the interview. i think they also liked i was familiar and wanted to move to that area.