I graduated LPN school not long ago, and had a much more difficult time finding a job than I expected with the nursing shortage. People seem to want RNs.
I eventually found myself out of money and desperate. I found an add for correctional nursing. They were as desperate as I was, and offered a good sign on bonus. I took it. I had never thought of working in a prison, but once I applied, I became excited about it. I am proud of being able to handle the most difficult patients that no one else can (or wants to). They more I learned about it, the more excited I became.
I have now been there almost two months, and I am having a blast. I love all the opportunities for a new nurse, it's like working in a bunch of different settings at once. I didn't feel uncomfortable at all.
But management sucks. They do not have my back, they can barely keep it together. No one charts like they should, and throughout my orientation they have told me that there just is not enough time to do it right. I have not been thrown out there by myself yet, but I worry about my license.
I also worry about how it would look if I quit now. Would other employers think there is something wrong with me because I was unemployed for several months, and then quit my first job before I could start? Would that be reason enough to be passed by?
I know I am a great nurse (for a new grad). I had high scores. I have lots of experience as an aide. I have high standards. I wouldn't be quitting because I couldn't make it, I would be quitting because I think poor management in a prison could be a dangerous thing.
It'sYaGirlK, CNA, LPN
135 Posts
I would love to do correctional nursing once I graduate kuddos to you for sticking it out