No orientation?

Specialties Correctional

Published

I am just about finished with all my pre-employment stuff for a correctional job. When I asked what kind of orientation there is, I was told there really isn't one, that I would most likely work a week or two on days to "get my feet wet" before taking my place on second shift. This concerns me a little, because I graduated in May of 2010 and haven't done the best at reviewing nursing materials since last fall when I was tutoring privately. And of course the skills have slipped remarkably (my poor husband can't get away from me and my stethoscope).

The nurses are nice, but haven't really offered much in the lines of what to do to prepare. I'm terrified that I'll do something wrong or miss something and will be fired. I'm really looking forward to the job, and want to be the best I can. It is a women's only facility if that makes any difference.

Help? Advice, words of warning?

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Emergency, Corrections, Adv Practice.

Have you worked as an RN since graduating May?

Up Vote Up Vote ×

No, this will be my first job as a nurse.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Emergency, Corrections, Adv Practice.

I just started my first corrections job, but have been a nurse for 2 years and still get a weeks training. We have a new grad LPN who gets 2 weeks. I would remind them that you have not worked as a nurse and ask if you can have a preceptor for that "week or two" they are giving you on days.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Interested in this subject. Applying for CA prison jobs. New grad too, as of May 2010.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Not appropriate even for corrections nursing. This really is not safe nor is it fair to you. Remind them of your new grad status and ask for an extended orientation period. I understand they need warm bodies but they will benefit much more if you actually are trained appropriately.

Good luck

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Corrections, Education, Med/Surg, AGNP-HIV.

I agree way to short of an orientation period. I just had about 6 weeks myself. Remind them you are very eager to learn and a longer orientation period will be beneficial to both of you.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Thanks for replies. I've been there about two weeks and have gotten lots of one-on-one time with the other RNs and the LPNs, so they didn't just toss me in like I was afraid of. I spent a full week on first shift before going on second (my shift), and I requested to work a third shift with the night nurses. I've been doing sick call and taking the infirmary, but I haven't done medline or seg sick call yet. It's very different, and I've only had two inmates try to argue with me. One crazy day that started with a code at shift change and just went downhill from there. Sometime in the next month or so there is a one week department of corrections training.

The only thing I'm having any issues with is getting the inmates to call me Ms Lastname, because all the other nurses let them use their first names, even though it's kind of against protocol. So far they've been respectful, and only once did a CO have to intervene when an inmate started getting riled up because I wouldn't give her any more meds for her cold. It's a lot of relying on nursing judgement and realizing that I'm the rapid response and code team. I did almost snap at the doctor for not taking something seriously when I called him about what I believed to be medically urgent. But that's probably something that could happen anywhere, and I will see that inmate tonight at treatment line so I can follow her and make sure she's not going to keel over.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
+ Add a Comment