New grad RN as a camp nurse?

schnookimz · Mar 3, 2014

I would say correctional. It will certainly show you have tough skin and can handle tough situations. Plus it's a more permanent job.

Hpy_Vly_RNBSN · Mar 3, 2014

I graduated in September of 2013 and I literally applied to every and any job that I could find. I even went on Craigslist for openings. After 3 months I had 2 interviews and was offered a job at a small private residential treatment center. I was really disappointed but I took it. During that time I continued my search and eventually was offered 3 more positions with major hospitals in my area. I worked at the treatment center for 2 months and left for the better hospital job. I would take whatever you feel best and continue to look. It will give you some experience and money in the mean time.

Shiiibby · Mar 3, 2014

Thanks for the replies, you two! I appreciate the input :) I feel the summer camp would definitely be a lot more enjoyable, but now I guess you're right... it's all about getting the experience in to better myself & my resume. I guess that old saying "beggars can't be choosers" is true after all ha ha

Baubo516, RN · Mar 4, 2014

If the summer camp sounds more enjoyable, perhaps you should take that one and continue to pursue other avenues while you are working at camp. I think corrections nursing might be something you have to really, really want to do, or else it might be miserable.

Having said that - are you OK financially to keep up the search or are you in need of stability right away? Not trying to be nosy - that just might be a factor in favor of the corrections job.

I am not a nurse - just a nursing student chiming in!

Alex Egan, LPN, EMT-B · Mar 4, 2014

Corrections and camp are oddly similar. The schedule, the clinic call, emergency response, and the fact that healthcare is not the primary goal of the organization. Except that the goal of camp is fun, and prison is confinement. If you passion is pediatrics you may want to consider camp; however it would be hard to turn down a full time job.

Shiiibby · Mar 4, 2014

Baubo, summer camp definitely does sound more enjoyable, but the financial issue is definitely a problem. I've been unemployed since November, so yeah, funds are hurting & camp doesn't start til June. Perhaps I'll test out correctional life & see how it goes for a month or so.

And Al, I appreciate the insight/differences on the job duties. And yeah, the only thing that is really drawing me towards corrections is the fact that I've been unemployed since November & having a stable job/income sounds beyond fantastic. But yes, I love working with children & being outside. If only camp nursing was permanent! Corrections makes me a lil' nervous seeing as I am a young, tiny female (I'm 5'1" & have never weighed more than 100lbs lol).

Baubo516, RN · Mar 5, 2014

So... my dad was a correctional officer for about 40 years, and one of my sisters did it for a while, as well. I also have a family member who is a guest at a correctional facility. :) For that reason, I actually have great compassion for the incarcerated and an interest in promoting their human rights.

I have never been involved in correctional nursing, but I have a feeling some of the same ideas apply to being a correctional nurse and being a correctional officer. I don't think your size will be an issue, as long as you act confident and follow all of the safety protocols that they will hopefully teach you. If you are working with male inmates, I would advise keeping your appearance professional but plain. No make-up (or minimal if you can't bear the thought of skipping it), no perfume, no cleavage. I hope that doesn't offend, but some folks don't think a thing about it. I used to teach middle school and believe me, I kept the girls well covered! Middle school boys cannot handle cleavage, and I don't think it would be good for correctional inmates, either! Working as a CNA, I wear tank tops backwards under my scrub shirts so that when I bend over to help people with their shoes or do a bed bath, I am not showing too much.

Let's see... things I learned from my dad that he did not mean to teach me... oh yes. Be aware that people with such limited freedoms may try to play on your emotions to manipulate you to benefit themselves in some way. Keep that professional detachment and don't share details about your private life with inmates. I think you can do that while still providing compassionate care. You can listen to them talk about themselves, but I just wouldn't share to much about yourself.

I know that my dad and sister were also taught self-defense skills as part of their jobs. I don't know if they offer this to correctional nurses, but if they don't, it might not be a bad idea to seek it out on your own. If they have their procedural ducks in a row, you should never be in danger, but it doesn't hurt to be prepared. I recently took karate for a year and it has done loads for my self-defense confidence!

I hope you don't mind unsolicited advice from strangers! People in prison need healthcare, too, and you can always continue to apply to other places while reaping the rewards of 1) a great learning experience and 2) a paycheck!

Let us know what you decide!

FutureResearchRN · Apr 10, 2014

I was a camp nurse as a new grad, and it was very hard. But I had another more experienced nurse working with me and available by phone during her days off. I wouldn't work at a camp as a new grad unless you are working with another nurse with experience.

RetrieverGirl, BSN, RN · Apr 10, 2014

Did you choose which job you want yet? Where is the correctional facility in Ohio? I interviewed at a CCA facility in Youngstown. I also have applications out to CHC for Mahoning Co. Jail and OSP, and TCI. OSP is the supermax penitentiary and TCI is a medium security. CCA is low security.

Corrections nursing pays well. The position I interviewed for paid $32.66 an hour. I am still waiting to hear if I got the job or not. I should hear something very soon.

Good luck in whatever you choose!!! I am also a new graduate, and it's been rough finding work. I have only had my license since early March though. I definitely believe the nursing shortage is closing in these days, at least around my area...

Shiiibby · Apr 10, 2014

I decided to stick with the camp nursing position. The correctional facility just wasn't for me. Although, yes, the pay was much better. I was interveiwing for a position at the Grafton facility, RetrieverGirl. And yes! I definitely feel that RN jobs are tough to find in northeast Ohio right now. It's awful!

delphine22 · Apr 11, 2014

My friend got a job as a camp nurse right out of school -- and missed out on all the other jobs that everyone else snatched up while she was away. I'd take the job that keeps you home and able to search new jobs if you don't like it.