Medium vs. Maxiumum security?

[Foxy78]

Hi guys. Been reading this forum on and off for a couple of weeks and its been GREAT, 99% of my questions have been answered just from reading.

I've been an RN in med-surg at a major hospital for a little over 2 years now and am very interested in corrections. Anyway, there's currently 2 positions I am looking at: One is in a medium security prison and the other in a maximum security (which also has an ad-seg/supermax unit within it).

Am just wondering which to go with... I was thinking the medium might be better starting off because to me the 'medium' part means that the inmates are generally less violent. But then I'm thinking maybe the maximum might be MORE safe because the security is porbably tighter.

Anyway, I'm very excited to be going into corrections nursing and thanks to all for sharing your wisdom!

[Steristripqueen]

Hi I would treat both the same way...fair, firm, and consistant. In my state anyone with a life sentence who has served 15 yrs. is eligible for medium security jail. DO NOT be decieved by the titles as to me there is no difference. Max jails move slower because they are one on one and security is present. In a med. jail security is never far away and will stand in the room with you if you ask them to. Just my 2 cents.

[VegRN]

As the previous poster indicated, the security status of an inmate has little to do with whatever the inmate did to get in prison. It is more to do with their behavior while in prison.

Max you would have more officers around but would have some more difficult inmates that have nothing to lose by acting up.

In my opinion, both of these would be quite similar.

[RN.38SPCL]

I work in a Maximum security jail. I have visited a few minimum where the nurse does medpass alone. No way. that is plain stupid. I prefer Max. I have a mixture of severs. some serving 3 days, some serving 30 yrs. Any one of them can cause alot of trouble very quickly without warning, or it can be very boring.

[Aimee03, BSN, RN]

I work at a level 6 Maximum security prision. I feel very safe at my job. I always have officers around. I have never had any problem with the prisioners. I've only worked here, so I can only speak of this.

[Foxy78]

Thanks for the replys guys.

Just to update you:

I interviewed at both facilities today. They were both very different and each had its ups and downs. I'm really on the fence here about which one to go with (so far it sounds like I'll be getting offers from both).

Anyway, I am going to go back to each prison and shadow a nurse for a few hours to really get a sense of what their day is like.

[RN.38SPCL]

Thanks for the replys guys.

Just to update you:

I interviewed at both facilities today. They were both very different and each had its ups and downs. I'm really on the fence here about which one to go with (so far it sounds like I'll be getting offers from both).

Anyway, I am going to go back to each prison and shadow a nurse for a few hours to really get a sense of what their day is like.

Good for you, I wish I had been able to do that.