geode19947

I am in a similar situation. I was previously a nurse in a prison and will now be working at an adolescent unit (residential treatment center). I, too, am concerned about the violence...i look forward to hearing what anyone has to say on the topic of "what if...". In prison, I always had the protection of the Officers. My perception is that inmates have more behavioral issues than those in psych unit. Is my perception correct or slightly deviated?

Librium is indicated for the treatment of insomnia, anxiety and panic attacks. It has also been used as a treatment for acute alcohol or opiate withdrawal. Some early opiate withdrawal symptoms include: Agitation, Anxiety, and Insomnia, (not to mentionMuscle aches, Increased tearing, Runny nose, Sweating, Yawning). Therefore, our MDs and NPs use Librium...hope that helps.

If it's any comfort to you, i started working as a corrections nurse in a prison as my FIRST job immediately after graduating as an RN with NO previous work experience WHATSOEVER...not even as an LPN (I went str8 thru from LPN to RN). Everyone told me that I should have worked in a hospital first...blah blah blah. Since that time which has been almost two years now, I am very well respected by Officers and experienced nurses who i work with. That being said, i think it depends on the person, work ethic, and ability to get along with others. I'm a very curious person by nature and love to learn...i volunteered to do EVERYTHING in clinicals as a student so that i'd feel comfortable when i got out in the "real world"...and it paid off. My assessment skills were good when i graduated from school and are even better NOW. In my opinion no matter where u begin your career, you'll always have that learning curve....so GO FOR IT!! I did and I don't regret it...I LOVE IT!!! .don't get me wrong, you have your good days and bad days...but isn't that everywhere u work? LOL PS.... the pay is based on your experience, but is more than a nurse working in a hospital....wooo hooooo!

We soak them in a cup of rubbing alochol, too.

Where i work, we use librium protocol.

Thank you for your response...makes sense!

Can anyone give me a reason why a nurse would do a cavity search???

Go for it!!! I graduated in May 2008 and accepted a position in correctional nursing as an RN...I had NO previous nursing-hospital experience whatsoever other than what i learned in clinicals; and my position working with adolescents with mental health issues (which prepared me for the grown ups in prison with mental health issues). The community college i attended is well respected in that they give alot of hands-on clinical experience. In addition, I am curious by nature and asked lots of "stupid" questions while in the nursing program. That being said, I have to say that I LOVE correctional nursing!!! My supervisor did tell me that she was surprised that i lasted due to the fact that i had no previous experience. So i think it really depends on the person as to whether or not having no experience is a bad idea to begin in corrections. While experience goes a long way (and there were many days and still are days when i wish i had more experience), it is not entirely impossible. The key is to be CONFIDENT in yourself, don't be afraid to admit you don't know something, ask for help, never stop learning about assessments-skills-disease-pathophysiology-etc., and enjoy it! I have learned a lot at the prison where i work and find it to be the best decision i've made!!! Go for it!! Good luck to you

Thanks, my sentiments exactly. From what i've been reading, it appears that as long as the person is competent they have the right to refuse. However, a court order or legal guardian or doctor's order stating incompetency can over-turn their right to refuse. Thanks for your response...and if all else fails...i'll document, document, document.

Thanks for responding...it just seems that if you're allowed to refuse meds u can refuse any treatment. But i'm being told they have to come out of the cell and if they refuse the CO's use force (meaning cuffs and gear up for "battle")...ugghhh!

If anyone can help with this question, PLEASE let me know. I'm a new nurse working in the prison. An inmate was placed on a Level I (suicide) and refused to come out of his cell for me to take his vital signs. Does the inmate have the right to refuse? Let me know your thoughts before I go crazy over the dilemma

We don't actually crush our meds, we do what is called "floating". We placed the pills in a small plastic pill cup and add water...the pill dissolves in the water and is tolerated well when swallowed. We float Vicodin for the most part. Hope that's helpful.