New LPN starting Correctional job tomorrow! HELP!

miriamlpn · Jan 17, 2012

I'm curious how it goes for you. I saw several correctional positions advertised near me, but was scared...

SharLoir · Jan 27, 2012

All I can say is congrats to getting a job,do your best & just be confident.

andreasmom02 · Jan 27, 2012

I graduated in August and feel so nervous to put my nursing skills to the test. I need some words of encouragement. I will be starting my first nursing job tomorrow at a Correctional Facility.Night Shift. Can anyone give me some insight on what I might be able to expect? This facility is like the 'go to' place for inmates with any physical,mental,health disorder for the entire state. It's basically a hospital for sick inmates. Words of advice??

I'm an LPN, but have never worked in a jail or prison. My friend is a teacher in a local prison and teaches the "lower risk" inmates. She helps them get their GED, take courses to prepare them for college when they get out, etc. She says that it can get stressful working in a prison though. Not trying to scare you. The lower risk inmates that she teaches, aren't much of a problem she says. There is always a guard near her as she teaches, but they know that getting an education is a priveledge, and they don't want to lose that, so most of them behave. She says that some of the higher risk inmates will shout things at her though as she walks by, and try to annoy her.

She works with nurses there, & said that they usually try to be on good behavior when seeing the nurse. Because when they don't feel well, they know the nurse helps. They want their medicine, so they are going to be on good behavior. There is always a guard present as well. I have looked at correctional jobs, but my husband said h*&^ no! lol Good luck with it. I'm sure you'll be fine. If inmates say things to you, ignore them, don't give out personal information, and focus on doing your job. That's whay my friend says she does when teaching and she's been there about 10 years & likes it. Keep us posted!

loumomoftwo · Feb 14, 2012

Well, I would have to say, never turn your back and always keep eye contact with the patients. They are in there for a reason, so keep an eye on your instruments. Be professional and be confident you are going to be great! I agree no personal info just all business. :nurse:

BrandonLPN, LPN · Feb 14, 2012

I work PRN at the county jail. Best advice I can give is don't let the inmates manipulate you. And remember, they didn't wind up in jail because they sold too many bibles. :)

ruthalittle · Mar 15, 2012

Good luck. I worked for several months in correctional medicine. The once weekly assignment at the juvinile facility was the easiest nursing job I ever had. I found that adult correctional medicine was not for me. The Gaurds at the jail tended to treat nursing staff as though we were inmates, shouted at us daily. Also, there was generally only 1 nurse on duty for the entire jail at a time. A bit too much for me to handle. Hopefully the company you work for will have more than 1 nurse on duty at a time.