New job, im excited, but he's not!!!

Double-Helix, BSN, RN · Jun 15, 2012

I understand your fiancé's concerns. My husband would feel the same way. Initially, he was even leery that I was working in a hospital in a less-than-desireable city. Your fiancé cares about you, so your safety is a concern to him.

I think you just need to have a conversation about it. Let him know that you understand his concerns, and that they are valid. Then explain all the precautionary measures that the jail takes to ensure your safety. Let him know how long it's been since a nurse was injured at that job, and how there are many nurses safely practicing in correctional facilities across the country. Don't dismiss his concerns, just explain the ways you are safe and give him some time to get used to the idea.

PrimaFacie · Jun 15, 2012

Why do you have 3 job changes since January?

I think you need to evaluate this. It wont go over well on a resume later on.

Before you were a nurse, did you change jobs frequently?

1. Clinic work right out of school was a mistake. Most clinic positions are mostly paperwork, and you don't get assessment experience.

2. Correctional nursing is usually very independent, and not a good position for a new nurse. (unless it's a real big place with a big clinic, where you will have other staff to learn from) I question the hiring managers logic on being willing to place you there. How well would you do triaging a bunch of bleeding people after a fight? You also have no psych background and from what I have heard, prisoners can be extremely manipulative.

3. Why not stay at the nsg home a year or two and take some courses that could help prepare you for correctional nursing? If they are willing to put a fairly new grad in there now, I can guess they are desperate and will have plenty of openings in the future.

Remember that your 1st year or two out of school is when you build your foundation of experience, and that's why most people recommend that new nurses do a year of med surg, to cement this experience.

ticklemern · Jun 15, 2012

Congratulations on getting the job you want! My husband works at a correctional facility. A few months ago he had a nurse run by him yelling... with an inmate chasing her. She didn't follow proper procedure and allowed herself to be put in a dangerous situation. They tackled him down and she was okay, but was really shaken up and quit soon after. If you do decide to take the position, remember to use caution, and by all means - follow procedure!

ronda919 · Jun 15, 2012

So far I have one change this will be my second. My very first job was basically working as a cna, at a Oncology clinic I just took vs, and sent the Dr. In, the RN's did all the chemotherapy etc, it was more of a position change, when I received my Lpn, but in the major hospital system here Lpn's are basically useless. This is the only job I received after what seemed like thousands of apps, but it was a catch 22, they hired me, bit I still wasn't getting the Lpn experience everyone wants. The only Lpn jobs are called "clinical.assistant" which I did at the clinic. I have been with this company for years, I'm still there prn. So being I had my licence I had no desire to stay at the clinic, although I love the company. I found a job with the NH, (first company.change) I thought this would be great bc most of my years working as a cna were spent in the nursing home, but its not the same now. As a cna I actually had time to talk to my residents, not just give em some pills, a quick assessment, n out the door I go. My DON, absolutely loves me, n says she would hire another new grad in a heartbeat because of how well I've done, documenting, and assessment skills have been stellar. I have found a few things wrong with my patients that other nurses have not, including a broken arm, and pneumonia.

There are lots of new grads being hired in corrections, have you not seen them? She actually wanted to hire me because I have excellent references to my abilities, and a very stable work history. I have worked in healthcare for entire adult life, and held a total of 3 different jobs, well companies. As for the dons at the various prison system hiring new grads, I have no idea why, but I'm glad they do.

Sorry if there's errors, I'm on my phone :)

ronda919 · Jun 15, 2012

Thanks Ashley-picu Rn, and ticklemern,

I do plan on following all procedures, and protocols. This is the job I have wanted since graduation, I just think its right for me. My mom went to the prison system right out of school, and retired from it. The benefits, schedule, just seem perfect for me.

Thanks again!!!!!

PrimaFacie · Jun 15, 2012

Your second post definitely clarified that you were not job hopping, thanks for clearing that up.

Well, you know, you sound so psyched to do the corrections job, if you didn't do it now, you would always be kicking yourself. As long as you are alert and aware (for trouble) you should be ok.

This site looked like it had some good articles and blogs for that specialty:

Correctional Nurse . Net

Best of luck to you. Stay safe.

ronda919 · Jun 15, 2012

Your second post definitely clarified that you were not job hopping, thanks for clearing that up.
Well, you know, you sound so psyched to do the corrections job, if you didn't do it now, you would always be kicking yourself. As long as you are alert and aware (for trouble) you should be ok.
This site looked like it had some good articles and blogs for that specialty:
Correctional Nurse . Net
Best of luck to you. Stay safe.

Thanks, that's what I'm thinking, if I don't ill always be thinking what if...... Thanks for the site, I'm gonna check it out now!!!

Pranqster · Aug 3, 2012

here's my advice: Put your man in check! tell him that you're advancing your career and thats it. :-)