New grad temp job offer in another state at Correctional fac...

edrnkells · Aug 31, 2011

I was a county correctional nurse for 3 years before my current hospital job. Its not so bad in a jail or prison. It can be easy work. As far as the inmates are concerned, its all about respect. I respected them despite whatever may having gotten them locked up and for the most part they respected me. Just follow the rules and be consistent and fare. I can only think of a hand full of times when I had to raise my voice at an inmate. You cant expect every one to be reasonable but for the most part they feel like they need something from you so they better not upset you. Be firm and fare. Hope this helps. Give it a chance, youll have good stories and experiences to tell your friends.

xtxrn, ASN, RN · Aug 31, 2011

A close friend of mine worked in a prison, and really liked it- she was good with the manipulation, crude remarks, and overall creepy folks- AND she never saw an inmate without a guard....

BUT, as a new grad, my concern would be the experience with "regular" patients, learning essential med-surg before being the only, or one of very few nurses.....you also need a good dose of psych brush ups. You'd do 'routine' meds and diabetic stuff, but inmates often have a LOT of medical issues from a history of not taking care of themselves. And, creepy or not, they still need to be treated with respect- if you have any issues with crime (being a victim, or knowing someone who was) you need to work that out BEFORE taking a job in a jail/prison.... :) Good luck :)

wyogypsy, RN · Aug 31, 2011

I have years of correctional experience. There are a lot of meds to pass with the morning and evening med pass, but some facilities have med techs that do at least some of the med passes. When you see the inmates at sick call, there are protocols to follow. Example - they complain of runny nose and sore throat. You pull the sheet for these symptoms, and follow the directions - take their vital signs, look at their throat, in their ears, listen to their lungs. Then you can give them cold medication and Tylenol for 3 days.

There is always other staff to ask questions of, and in NC the workload is the easiest I have ever experienced!

nursemichelle80, BSN, RN · Aug 31, 2011

I work in a men's prison in Florida. It isn't such a bad place. My concern for you as a new grad would be the experience. You don't get much medical experience as far as the skills like foley's, IV's, and other important skills. I have been nurse for almost 6 years and have had all that experience so this is kind of a cake walk for me. I deal more with the psychiatrist and seeing the inmates that are on psych meds and such. Good luck!

NrsNikster · Aug 31, 2011

Thank you all for all of your opinions. I will definitely take in consideration everything that is said!

gaylarn4 · Aug 31, 2011

Hello everybody!!
I need somebody's help right now. So, I received a call today from a recruiter from a staffing agency who looked at my resume and was impressed with the previous experience that I had. To sum it all up, he offered me an immediate position out of my state to NC for a RN position at a correctional facility for 13 weeks . I was told at the end of those 13 weeks depending on how well I do, I could come on permanent or continue to travel to different sites and have different assignments. So basically I would be a Travel Nurse. Now according to all the incentives and everything, the offer sounded real good. I'm just iffy about the whole thing, especially with the Correctional Facility part. Honestly, it kinda scares me. He also told me that if I don't take this immediate position that everything would still be on file and if anything else came up in my immediate area, they would let me know. Should I take it? I don't know if I'm just being desperate because I want a nursing job or what.
Does anybody have or know anybody that has experienced being a Correctional facility nurse or as a Travel nurse?!?!? Please give me your opinions!!! Comments greatly appreciated!!!
Nikster

:anpom:oh oh I'll take it LOL!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!