northernstate

Hi! I've been perusing through the many entries in these boards and you all sound like a bunch of caring, devoted individuals. I had been looking for a place that I could read more about nurses in correctional facilities, and now I've found it. I work for a small (430) all male medium security prison in northern Vt. It really seems more like a boys camp rather than a prison. I've been here 3 years and I think I've finally found my niche. Everything from excitement to emergencies! We have a 6 bed infirmary which is filled to capacity 90% of the time with everything from neuro-surgeries (post op) to end of life care. A very exhilarating environment to work in. I saw in one post that I was reading that you get more thankyou's here than in other settings. I also find this to be true. I have been in nursing for 16 yrs and have worked in multiple fields, but I find correctional nursing the most satisfying of all. I have never once felt un-safe or threatened but I know I must be alert at all times because you never know for sure what will happen from one day to the next. One problem I observed since starting there is the immense turnover of nurses. There are 4 of us that have been there through thick and thin, and a total of at least 10 to 12 have come and gone. Some after as little as one day! Do any of you have a big turnover where you are? Just curious :) Thanks for listening