Prison Nursing??

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Hello everybody!

I've been offered a contract job at a correctional facility (Psych ward). I am a new grad RN and so I don't have the luxury of a choice as you guys know..I am a bit scarred but I know that it's something to put on my resume..

Anyone has done prison nursing? If so, what's your experience and what advice do you have for me? Please help!!

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Specializes in Medical and general practice now LTC.

moved to the Correctional Nursing forum

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I have practiced in many settings, but recently started correctional nursing. I really like it. I don't feel unsafe at all. I actually felt more insecure working a hospital psych ward. Get to know the common antipsychotics. Make friends with the social worker.

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Thank you! great advice and good to hear that you're happy in this setting!!

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I am actually a new LPN (under a year licensed) and I just started working in a state prison a couple of weeks ago. Some aspects of it are scary - won't lie to you - but the physical safety issue isn't the scary part. There are COs (correctional officers) everywhere. In that regard you are probably safer working in a prison than you are in a hospital. I worked in a hospital for 4 years as a nurse's aide prior to becoming an LPN, and have been hit, punched, spit at, verbally threatened etc. And management sides with patient because they are "healthcare customers". In a prison you are actually given mandatory self defense classes and you can actually write-up inmates if they get out of hand. Scary part for me? Just being a new nurse in a new job, like anywhere really. Know your meds and how to assess...

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Thank you!!

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