LPN Corrections Nurse

Decemberblues · Aug 23, 2011

it's really about using your training to your advantage. so if a patient is attacks you do you have the skills to get away quickly or access other staff to intervene...those are the things you want to think about. While taller and heavier might make a patient more hesitant in physical attacking you I don't think it stops them, I think you would have to be really tall for patients to be intimidated..I say this because the security guys we had were pretty tall. That being said the key to success in this field is to not be afraid...i.e. don't think about your size and make sure your defense tactics are polished and use them confidently.

ddunnrn · Aug 23, 2011

I worked in corrections for 10 years (psychiatry), and I would imagine that most places are relatively similar. You will most likely always have correctional officers either right next to you, or watching you from a short distance. Even then, if someone is inappropriate, you just firmly redirect them, if that doesn't work, run like hell and scream bloody murder.

I myself was never attacked by anyone relatively sane, and in the 10 years I worked in the Philadelphia jail system, 1 only ever heard of 5 or so medical/psych personnel being attacked, and they were mostly by mentally ill patients.

The longer you work there, the better your "radar" will be tuned, and you will be better aware of security issues--ALWAYS follow your gut instinct in protecting yourself and your colleagues. Unfortunately, there are some staff who think they can handle all situations, and that don't use their common sense or instincts. Don't do what they do!

I really enjoyed corrections, and I would be there still if not for being on disability for medical reasons.

One other thing I just thought of--Never, Ever!!!! give your patients anything without a doctor's order or policy covering it. You'd be surprised what evil purposes a bandaid, or A&D ointment, or diiferent OTC meds can be used for. If it ain't ordered, don't give it--the inmate will be the first one to rat on you and get you fired for violating the rules. Always do a suicide assessment (as subtly as you can) before applying slings, cling bandages, chemical cold/hot packs, or anything else an inmate can use to harm himself. Believe me, there is nothing more involved and problematical in corrections than suicides.

Hope this helps,

Good Luck!!

Dave Dunn, RN

[email protected]

romiia · Aug 23, 2011

If our easily intimidated and easily manipulated, if you tend to give people the benifit of the doubt, if you are emotionally insecure, if you have low self esteem, if you have recently seperated form a spouse, BF, GF, etc., If you think you can flirt, share personal information or open up to an Inmate,

Then,

I would say this to you, with due respect, But,

, Be Aware that I have seen more nurses, experienced Nurse, RNs & LPNs Walked out of the Building by Custody for something called, "Un due familiarity" Some of these Nurses, are awaiting court, and have pending felony charges against them now!

Because, they were manipulated by an INMATE!

Confidence is good, just know that better people than you or I have been manipulated by someone.

Keep in mind, an inmate has nothing but time on there hands to figure out where your weak spots are and they will use every bit they can to get you to let down your guard! No joke! you have to keep ur mind on business, the task at hand at all times.... Espeacily, in Med Custody, because they are more than likly going to be released sooner than later. The Men in Closed custody seem less manipulative!

good luck though!

Nurse

Hi Everyone,
So glad I found this board and I'm excited for everyones input.
I've always wanted to work corrections and as a recent LPN graduate, I've been offered a position with Advanced Correctional Healthcare at a medium security federal prison.
I'm good at being professional, treating everyone equal and handling stress, pressure, etc. I have one very large concern though.
I'm 110 pounds, 5'1 and look half my age. Am I setting myself up for disaster? I hate to even worry about this, but I would love to hear other experiences!
Thank you!

ddunnrn · Aug 24, 2011

[quote=romiia;5545671 Be Aware that I have seen more nurses, experienced Nurse, RNs & LPNs Walked out of the Building by Custody for something called, "Un due familiarity" Some of these Nurses, are awaiting court, and have pending felony charges against them now!

Right On, Romiia! You summed up what I also meant to say. I , too, have seen several staff terminated for: calling inmates on the phone; giving inmates "special" attention, contacting inmate's families inappropriately, etc. This was nurses, social workers and even doctors! One of our psych techs was on the TV news for bringing in drugs and escape equipment a couple of years ago, and this was someone we considered one of our best workers.

Dave Dunn, RN

frodo-dog · Sep 1, 2011

I am also looking at the correctional route, being a new grad LPN in AZ, there are no companies that will hire me other than Mollen Clinics.

Being a new grad, I am concerned about knowing exactly what would be expected of me in a correctional facility. If all went well, I would look to work full time with them, even after getting my RN.

But what would happen re orientation on the first day? What would I be asked to do\what would my functions be?

Any inside info? Thanks.