New Grad Considering Working in a Detention Center - Money vs Options

[Nurse Beth, MSN]

Hi Nurse Beth,

So I am a new grad that finished school in December. I have worked as a respiratory therapist for the last four years. Now I have the opportunity to double my base pay and go work for ICE in a detention center or take a pay cut (minimal but it is still a cut) and work in an ICU. I'd love to work in the ICU but I went to school to provide a better life for my family - meaning more income. It's not about the money but it kind of is. . .any thoughts? I don't want to get pigeonholed into not having any options after I work in a prison setting.

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Dear Money vs Options,

You are right to be concerned that going to work in a detention center at the start of your nursing career may limit your options later on. It is easier to go from broad to narrow than narrow to broad.

There's a reason the pay is so high. When considering a job, you have to look at more than the immediate hourly pay. No doubt it seems like a lot of money right now- and it is. But in the long run there is a price to pay.

Most likely you will be performing screenings and providing medications. It's not a hospital. You will not be starting IVs or doing procedures, unless they have an actual medical unit. Patients requiring higher level of care will be transferred out. The skills will likely not be seen as transferable to an ICU setting.

Unless you have a heart for serving this population, the primary benefit is the pay. Working in that environment just for the pay can change you. You may find it disheartening and frustrating to not have sufficient supplies, surrounded by needs you cannot meet. You will be in a prison like setting.

You tend to adopt the values of the people you spend the majority of your life with (co-workers) or else you remain an outsider and frustrated. Staff at such facilities can be unresponsive, maybe as a defense mechanism- or they can be compassionate and giving. There will be a dominant culture depending on the facility. The longer you stay in such a setting, the more likely it is that you adopt the same values.

Consider getting a broader background in acute care now while you have the chance. You can always go to a prison setting later- it will still be there. Your pay in acute care will increase steadily and after 1-2 years, you will be very marketable and eligible for many different positions.

The reverse is not necessarily true. After a couple of years in a detention care setting, you may have a hard time getting a job in acute care. You will be a new grad without new grad status, meaning eligibility for a new grad residency.

So to summarize, I would consider the offer carefully. You will have a nice income, and that will offset some of the disadvantages, but only you can make that choice. Good luck.

Best wishes,

Nurse Beth