azguyrn

I've been doing this 18 years and still have the occasional crazy shift. But give it time, the more you do it, the easier it gets. I've done alot of time in the tiny 'rural' ER, there are definitely things you do there you won't see in the 55 bed 'city' ED. When things get crazy, everything always seems to work out. I'd recommend 'High Acuity Nursing' as a good book for reference and studying, try Amazon.com.

As above, they're also urgent cares, Jails, Prisons. Lot's of work if you want to come home to the desert

Remember in Corrections your're dealing with people most of us would prefer not to be around. More often than not your depending on your own assessment skills to decide a plan of care. If something goes wrong, correctional nurses are held accountable and since corrections is a public service; your name can end up in the newspaper.

You should be able to go to your supersvisor and relate you don't feel comfortable with this situation. She can talk to the work supervisor of the IM's and remind them the IM's need to be where they're supposed to be. I'm a 6' 2" 300lb guy, but I don't allow IM's in my area unless a CO is there (since I can't always watch what they're doing if I'm doing Nursing stuff).

I've worked in corrections for 8 years, ED nursing for 15 years. I think you really need to fight this. You should start with the grievance process with HR at the facility. You should also be able to contact the agency that oversees the facility (state or county) and discuss your concerns. You just don't want this to reflect on your practice as a new nurse. Good luck and stay strong.

Everyone would like 'experience', but if you provide a good cover letter explaining your interest in nursing, a nurse manager would probably give you a chance.

Try applying for Patient registration or unit clerk. This gets you into a hospital and actually allows you to do quite a bit of observation. Having a business degree should pique the interest of a Client services manager.

There's a big difference from the late 80's/early 90's. I can see the difference of the shift away from diploma RN's. Those 3 year programs were basically all clinical. I don't think the ADN or BSN programs are providing enough 'realistic' clinical time, depending too much on labs. I think the biggest challenge I see with new grads is time management now.

Echoing the other responses, it comes down to anticipating what you and the provider will need for the patients you're assigned. Anticipating what you'll need (supplies, labs, poss. dx) will make everything flow smoothly. Usually, you pick that up with experience. Along with anticipation comes with prioritizing. Focus on the most important stuff (airway, breathing, circulation).

The variety, the pace, the challenge. Working with other nurses and staff who are focused on doing the best they can with what they have. Unlike many other nursing specialties, the're aren't set ratios. One day you might be trying to manage 12 patients and 2 hours later a 1:1 vent patient. Closest thing to being an old Ranger platoon medic.

You have to document! Let your unit educator or manager know also, arrange a conference. Nothing is more deadly than a new RN who thinks 'they know everything' and won't listen. When I was a manager, this was the RN who after counseling and mentoring wouldn't change; had to go before they killed someone.

A myth. I do Correctional & ER Nursing. ER nursing is way more stressful. I get assaulted verbally and physically in the ED on a daily basis, more than I ever have working in a prison.

Google the state web site your're interested in, there's always openings in Corrections