Ok...fellow CO nurses

deyo321 · Sep 5, 2009

I think people know by the look on my face when I tell them, that it is a very positive thing for me. I always say "It is interesting" with an impish smile, then "you can't make this sht up". I don't think I have ever encountered a negative attitude. I would assume if I did that the person had no idea what I actually did and smile, shrug and say "Oh the stories I could tell" and walk away.

Make your delivery of your specialty like it is the best thing since sliced bread. I mean really it is...the autonomy, the challenges, no surveys, no customer service, no demanding families, no fighting LNA's to manage, guys in uniform and a chance to do teaching to an underserved population.

Hmmm, on the other hand maybe we don't want to tell everbody.....

Guest371144 · Sep 5, 2009

I agree with Deyo, it is all in the delivery. Sometimes I start with a wry smile and say I work in a gated community, then laugh and say I am in corrections. When you get the remarks you listed, it is your opportunity to set the record straight. Sometimes I say something like "Well, its a lot like working in an urban ER except all the bad guys wear color-coded jumpsuits so I feel pretty safe". Or maybe "It is a very underserved patient population and I get a lot of opportunity to educate and improve their condition."

CheyRN · Sep 8, 2009

I can't imagine working any other place. I have worked in both prisons and jails, and it's so much safer than working ANYWHERE in a hospital. In a hospital you have to ASSUME that everyone that you come in contact with will be civil until they prove themselves otherwise, but in a correctional setting you already know that your population has a difficult time following the rules and setting boundries is EXPECTED! Yup, no call lights, families or Press-Ganey surveys, can't think of any better place to work.

Steristripqueen · Sep 10, 2009

dont' forget to mention that you actually get bathroom breaks and get to eat! LOL

rnss05 · Sep 14, 2009

I dare say that I am qualified to post on this one. Worked quarter century as a NYS CO all over NYS. Now a medsurg RN. I get swore at, disrespected, and down right threatened more now than I ever did as a hack. I think the general population has just as many psych issues as the prison population but with less boundaries. Gates slammin closed behind you while headed to the infirmary...soothing, it keeps the crazies out. Prison work is easy...FIRM, FAIR, AND CONSISTENT. Inmates respect you and know the rules. If they act stupid you can address the issue instead of constantly trying to placate some rude pt who wants their toast at 2000 and doesn't care if you are busy with a code two rooms away. To bad I can't go back seeing that I'm drawing a retirement.

jailhouserock_lpn_08 · Oct 23, 2009

I definately get the negative responses! I also get those responses because I am so young (just turned 24). I get " Your so young don't they say derrogatory things or sexual things to you?"Some responses i have used: "Yes but I can ignore them and also say they are being disrespectful. i can also tell the CO i was offended and they can be wrtten up for disrespect" (hasn't gotten that bad yet!) "I love my job!" "I have never been happier!' "It is sooo interesting! You learn so much about emergency care." As you can see I don't let these negative people get me down. I truly love my job. If you are happy where you are then just tell people that or tell them how you feel about their comments.