New FNP Grad in corrections

Missy89 · Jul 31, 2013

Hi everyone, I apologize if this has already been covered. I am a new FNP grad and recently interviewed at a local state prison. I'm wondering if any new NP grads went straight into the corrections environment, before working in a more "traditional" family practice/internal medicine practice? If so, what barriers did you have to overcome. I'm confident in my clinical skills, but , it's a different story when you don't have a dedicated preceptor.
I'm just wondering if I will have the support I need as a new grad?
Thanks for your help!!

Just out of curiosity, what pay did they offer you?

E&Rtravel2 · Jul 31, 2013

Hi Missy89, I haven't received my official offer letter yet, but got the impression that the job was mine if I wanted it. I'm kicking around a few offers.

nkh1223 · Aug 1, 2013

One of my preceptors took her first job in a state prison. She didn't love the job, but took it because they were welcoming of a new grad. She did caution me that they monitored very closely when they sent patients out for referral. She had a patient with an acute abdomen who she sent to the ER and they were very particular about her clinical evaluation. They gave her trouble when she sent the patient out, and the patient ended up requiring emergent surgery! She stayed for 6 months and then left. I would think there would be some kind of mental preparation needed for a job like that. If you think you would like it and it would contribute to your growth as a professional, definitely consider it!

OfficerRNBSN · Aug 2, 2013

I think the major element of corrections work is not being naive. Cynicism is as necessary as a blood pressure cuff.

brandy1017, ASN, RN · Aug 2, 2013

One NP I know volunteered to do her clinicals at the prison and got alot of experience such as managing hypertension crisis and enjoyed it but was used to rough and tumble patients from an inner city ICU with lots of gun shots trauma patients and could hold her own with just about anyone. Another guy RN worked at the jail and he said you had to have really good assessment skills to cut thru the BS of the prisoners because they would lie to try to get out of the place. A coworker worked RN pool at one and the security would escort her, but was subjected to cat calls and that sort of thing. Not a place I would volunteer for given the general population, why subject yourself to that, but I suppose if you have the right temperament it could be a good learning experience! Pay depends on whether it is a private or public job. If they privatize then the pay is usually less, which is the constant debate over both the psych complex and prison. Let's privatize to save money! Both places are frequently in the news over scandals and mismanagement, etc, claiming if it were privatized care would be better, but I doubt that!

NJprisonrn · Aug 3, 2013

I worked as a new grad RN in a state prison. It was...ok. I learned a ton. I am grateful that they took in an noob with no experience. You really have to be on point with assessments and cutting through lies, as others have stated. The perks included excellent shift diffs and free food. I think NPs are salary, but they work M-F 8-5 with no weekends or holidays. I found a less stressful job closer to home, so I left, but I did so on good terms. I would go back as an NP if I didn't have any other offers. In my state they participate in loan repayment and I believe the pay scale for a new grad is in $85-90, 000 range. I am considering do a clinical rotation there to try out the NP role there.

nursetim, NP · Aug 4, 2013

My first job was with a state prison but working for a private company, avoid this route if possible. We got treated less than well by the Guards, they hate to be called guards BTW. Starting pay was $40/hr. the corruption was strong and palpable where I worked. I took the job thinking my trauma skills would be sharpened. Nope, in 2 years, it didn't start to get violent until a month or 2 before I left. That speaks well for security, but a baren desert of trauma. I got real good at toenail removal, DM, HTN, and hep c management. I used my iPhone in clinicals while in school a lot. No cell phones in prison unless you were md or admin. I don't miss it at all. I still get lied to consistently, but I never get worked for narcotics in cardiology.

If you take the job, the first time you perceive that you are disrespected, write the convict up. Go hard early and establish the rep of not putting up with shenanigans, you can always lighten up. You will be tested.

OfficerRNBSN · Aug 4, 2013

Yes, you will be tested. Inmates will try continually to get extras, and a good many of them wouldn't be taking meds if they weren't incarcerated. They're really quite a trying and shameless bunch. I'm still only a RN, but I'm in NP school. I have more of anadmin job than anything, but I still interact with the little buggers. We have a policy of not allowing opiates or benzodiazepines in the jail so the only med they can finagle is ibuprofen which they love asking for. Take nothing they say personally. Theyre crminals after all. I've actually arrested or been involved the arrest of several of our inmates back when I was policing. Perks of my job are that I mostly have an office job, my own office that I'm about to have remodeled, department phone and iPad, uniforms instead of scrubs, and maybe in the future a take home car. Oh and weekends and holidays off!!