Left LTC Update - Now in Correctional Nrsg

[OldMareLPN]

Having left LTC and this forum, I was invited to update on my experience.

Close your eyes and think about working with enough experienced RN and LPNs in a safe controlled environment with demands you can meet within your eight hour period and you're in CN.

Think about being able to learn from experienced Nurses willing to share with no drama. Having a day in which you help stitch up a patient, pass meds, do prenatal teaching, rate opiate and etoh withdrawals, complete scheduled wound care and you're in CN.

Each day is different, the challenge never ends, and learning and staying skilled is essential.

I love CN...but I miss the LTC forum, especially the BM sessions (***** and moan :b).

Lata gata!

[TheCommuter, BSN, RN]

Thanks for this update, and I'm pleased you're liking CN.

I was thinking of switching to CN too, but the litigious nature of working in a jail or prison was enough to worry me.

[OldMareLPN]

"I was thinking of switching to CN too, but the litigious nature of working in a jail or prison was enough to worry me."

That is exactly what drove me from LTC. I find in CN that minimally a issue, as what you do in CN and how you do it is so structured. You also have, and am expected to, document, document, and document. (And you don't have to do it on your own time.)

Initially I incorrectly thought others lacked compassion in their sticking to procedures, I realized that first, the procedures were how things got done, and that......surprise......our clients lie, lie, lie, and lie. I quickly found out insisting that procedures be followed (don't feel good....fill out a sick call slip)was good for both me and the client.

The exposure to so much varied types of care challenges has been a real learning experience.

Also believe it or not, I found a form that uses nursing diagnoses. Now that is unique!

Best of luck and thanks!

[rnlately]

This is comforting to hear/read as I'm looking in to correctional nursing. I like structure.