Need Opinions please.

ChuckeRN, BSN, RN · Nov 21, 2011

No.

Then again, would a NG have enough knowledge to be a nurse anywhere? IMO, no. Which is why you have orientation, mentors, co-workers, training, etc.

So, if you want to work as a CRN, go for it.

PrisonNurseSara · Nov 21, 2011

GO FOR IT. You'll have way more insight into the minds of criminals than I do /did. When I was hired into my prison nursing job over a year ago, one gal in my hiring group had been a PO like yourself. She immediately started off dealing with the manipulation tactics super-well. Simply having 15+ years of interactions with felons / ex-cons will give you a leg up over most of the competition. Good luck to you!

Scooter5 · Nov 22, 2011

Thanks for your opinions! I will be interviewing. I'll update afterwards!

danaonthemtn · Nov 23, 2011

I am a new RN with 15+ years experience as a probation officer. As a new RN, do you think I would have enough knowledge to be a nurse in a jail setting? Thanks for your replies!

Hello new grad RN, I am an LPN with 5 years correctional nursing experience. I truly enjoy the job very much for it is very similar to working in an ER. (It is difficult for an LPN to get ER work). I feel that as a new grad, you should get some actual nursing experience under your belt because in the correctional field the inmates try to "Fake" medical illnesses in hopes of getting out of their cells, being released early, or many other non-medical reasons. If you're not an experienced nurse, it can be difficult to make those quick and accurate nursing judgements. Not all, but some inmates lie and steal and can be very good at manipulating an inexperienced nurse in order to obtain something they think they need for survival in the correctional setting. You possibly can do it as a new grad nurse because most correctional facilities have standard protocols that you must follow for treating certain illnesses. The state does not pay for alot of the more expensive treatments and medications, so there is a protocol in place to provide standard basic care and it gives you step by step instructions about what is allowed. You just really need to be on your toes at all times in order not to get used and abused by all the deceit and trickery that is going on around you. As a probation officer, you probably have had experience with that so having good judgement abilities will also help you in that field. I wish you the best and if you have any other questions, please feel free to contact me. Sincerely, Dana : )