Need for Nurses in Corrections

[DCubed]

Just curious, how difficult is it to get hired in a Correctional settings? Is there a need for nurses in Corrections?

["nursy", RN]

Yes, there's a huge need for nurses in corrections. It's not hard to get hired as long as you can get security clearance.

[Trampledunderfoot, LPN]

Very huge need. Always short. Always busy.

[Overcast]

Is it difficult getting hired o to corrections as a new grad? Everywhere I read states the eligibility requires a couple years of nursing experience; in particularly in a specialty, plus certain certifications, etc.

I will be graduating with an ADN from USC/LA County nursing school (LA County Hospital) and then I will have a BSN a year later.

I would like to get my pension started. Do I need to wait to apply until I have years experience?

Did you just apply online as a random person? Did you follow up in person or over the phone?
How long did it take to hear back once applying online?

I have a 1203.4 on my record, which is a dismissal from an old case decades ago. County overlooks this. Would federal?

Thank you!

[RNchic]

I would not encourage a new grad to start out in corrections but it is doable. It is better if you work in an area with other nurses to guide you if you do decide to hire on as a new grad. Where I work, we have some single man posts and you are it!! You are the primary responder to medical emergencies and unless you have some experience, you might be risking your license. Our facility will sometimes hire new grads out of nursing shortage.

[Orca, ADN, ASN, RN]

My agency does not hire new graduates, because our specialty requires a degree of independence that a new graduate does not have. The only exceptions that we have made have been people who worked for us as LPNs for a period of time and went to school to get their RN degrees.

[Loli87, BSN, RN]

In my state a lot of new grads are recruited to work in corrections. Your experience will depend on where you work. Depending on where you work there may be an MD on site and at other times an MD on call. There will also be a charge nurse/head nurse available should you have any questions although depending on your shift you may be the only nurse on site when the facility is short so contact will be via phone. If you decide to come to correctional nursing, spend your days off looking up things you're not so confident in skills wise. Also print a copy of the standing orders so that you can read those on your days off to familiarize yourself with what to do in certain situations. Don 't be discouraged to begin your career in corrections because everyone does not desire to be a nurse that works in the hospital etc... There is most definitely a need for nurses in corrections.