Please help me with interview Q's. I want this Correctional job soo badly

juvynurse · Oct 13, 2005

I am a new RN, and have been working at a job I HATE b/c I have been told from day 1 that I will need at least a year of RN experience in med/surg or ICU to get any respect, or to be able to move forward. Now, 3 months into my first nursing job on Burn ICU, I am beyond miserable.
I recently got word that I may have a chance getting on with Corrections, even as a new grad. They hire RN level I's.
I'm going by hunch that I will love working there. My intuition is always right and I wish I would listen to it more often, maybe then I wouldn't be in this position on ICU b/c when I shadowed, "something" told me it was going to be bad, but I didn't listen.
I love Psych, and have thought about going back to school becoming a counselor or psychologist. I also love criminal psychology and have taken a course in it.
Thing is, I don't know what type of Q's to expect if I get interviewed, and if I get asked why I want this position I can't say that I am going by gut intuition, and how I hate hospital nursing! What should I say in Re to the "Why do you want to work here" Q? What other Q's can I expect? What Q's should I ask? What kind of research should I be doing? Any books that I can read about correctional nursing?
Should I even put my current employer down? I just got my license Sept 1st. I can always say that I have been on the prowl for the job I want, which is why I have been unemployed for a couple months. I just think it will look bad that I am wanting out of my job already, and I don't want to blow this guys. THIS IS WHERE I WANT TO BE. I am so happy I have this opportunity, but at the same time so scared that I won't get it.

Don't put your current employer down. No matter how badly you dislike your job. You didn't specify if you're trying for an adult facility or a juvenile facility. I work in Juvenile corrections, so I could try to remember all the good questions they could ask you about juveniles.

Good Books: Inside the Criminal mind and Games Criminals play.

shadow2 · Oct 13, 2005

I work in a correctional instutition, and the interview was not difficult. Most places of this nature are glad to have you apply, as many people are afraid to work in corrections. It is a very interesting place to work. don't put down your previous employer, just tell them you have been interested in this type of work for awhile and feel that you would be of an asset to them. Many nurses, maybe not some you know move around alot. If they ask you why you are leaving your current employer, tell them you feel that you would be of better use somewhere else. Let them know that this is what you have been waiting for. Where I come from, they are desperate to get nurses to work in the prison system. good luck

BSNinTX · Oct 13, 2005

As others have said, don't trash your current employer. Be honest if they ask why you want to leave - burn isn't for you, but you have an interest in criminal justice and psych.

As for questions, I would recommend you do a little research on the employer. Find out what their correctional philosophy is - rehabilitation, punishment, treatment? Being able to speak in terms they like helps.

Expect situational questions about what you would do:

"You are alone in the clinic with a patient; he is becoming agitated; what are your next step?"

Expect something to get at your real feelings about prisoners' health care:

"How would you feel if an inmate is able to get a procedure/medication/treatment that you (or a family member) cannot get on their insurance/afford?"

Simba&NalasMom, LPN · Dec 5, 2005

I think what the OP meant by "Putting current employer down" was "Should I list my current employer as experience" rather than putting down as in badmouthing them. :)

As far as putting your current employer on an application, as long as you are leaving on good terms, why not use them? In most states, all they can say is how long you worked there and whether or not you're eligible for re-hire. Experience is experience, and there is nothing wrong with framing up the intuition thing as "I just think I could find a better fit elsewhere" or putting a similar positive spin on things.

You also might try telling the interviewer that you have researched correctional nursing (which you have by posting here, hee hee) and based on the info you have gathered, you really feel that it would be a good fit; find a way of showing the interviewer your knowledge of the field. Employers love it when prospects make it clear they have done their homework.

Good luck!