Juvenile sexual offenders

marilynmom, LPN, NP · Jan 11, 2009

I have applied and got a call this afternoon for a job an an RN in a adolescent sexual offenders program (JSOP for short). I did clinicals in this unit and really enjoyed it and I hope I get the job. I would be working nights, 11p-7am.
Right now I'm working in a PICU so this will be a big change for me if I get this job :) I'm excited to learn new things and work with these boys and the rest of the team.
It's been a lot time since my psych clinicals and I'm trying to brush up on some of the basics. Can anyone recommend some good websites or books specifically about juvenile sexual offenders....common diagnosis, treatment, what as the nurse my role should be, effective communication, etc?
Any advice? Thanks!

I've decided to stay with the PICU and not take this job.

EarthChild1130 · Jan 20, 2009

Best of luck in whatever path your career takes you!!

marilynmom, LPN, NP · Jan 22, 2009

Thanks!

I did end up accepting the psych position after some thought and have been in hospital orientation all week. Next week I think I have a 2 day psych nursing orientation. A lot of these offenders are violent sexual offenders (raping at knife point, etc) but are not generally violent otherwise--if so they get kicked out of the unit.

I'm excited and nervous about all this at the same time. I am not sure what to expect. I'm excited to go into psych nursing, I think (I hope!) it will be a good fit for me.

I know I'm going to have to set boundaries and become a better communicator with these patients.

Any advice??

Mr Ian · Jan 23, 2009

I've worked a few different custodial places - jail or psych unit.

One comment you made - which is not the first time I've seen or known of similar....

A lot of these offenders are violent sexual offenders (raping at knife point, etc) but are not generally violent otherwise--if so they get kicked out of the unit

It fascinates me that offenders do the worst of crimes and get incarcerated for years, yet they can worry about 'getting kicked out of the unit' (and they do)!

It will be 'interesting' for you. :)

Advice? Trust your instincts and also keep your emotional distance.

Whispera, MSN, RN · Jan 24, 2009

Did you mean they get kicked out of your unit to jail? That's why they might worry about it, since the unit is nicer than jail?

I think it's important for you NOT be a friend to the patients. It's okay to be kind but you aren't their friend, you are their caregiver. Be consistent and follow the rules that are established. Follow through on what other people start. I'd say it's even good to start out stern and then loosen up some when they get used to you and are acting appropriately rather than testing you all the time (they will!).

Good luck. Do have fun--you're going to learn lots!

indigo girl · Jan 24, 2009

I have never worked with juvenile sex offenders, but my nurse manager has. I remember the one thing that she mentioned more than once was that you can not allow yourself to take on the negative "stuff" that may be coming from your patients. Some of what you are going to hear will be really nasty. Make sure that you have a plan to release stress, and any emotional reactions to what they may reveal with some kind of physical activity such as yoga or aerobics or whatever else works for you. Remember to take extra good care of yourself.

Good luck. I'm sure that you will be great at this, and I admire you for taking this on.

marilynmom, LPN, NP · Jan 25, 2009

Did you mean they get kicked out of your unit to jail? That's why they might worry about it, since the unit is nicer than jail?
I think it's important for you NOT be a friend to the patients. It's okay to be kind but you aren't their friend, you are their caregiver. Be consistent and follow the rules that are established. Follow through on what other people start. I'd say it's even good to start out stern and then loosen up some when they get used to you and are acting appropriately rather than testing you all the time (they will!).
Good luck. Do have fun--you're going to learn lots!

Thanks and I think I will take your advice and start out more "stern" than friendly. I really want to establish myself as a professional, not be buddy buddy with them. That is one of the biggest changes in patient care for me---I'm used to loving the kids in the PICU I cared for!

I did general hospital orientation all last week and this week I have a class on working in behavioral med (communication, boundaries, etc) and start orienting on my unit this week. I'm nervous but excited :)

Jules A, MSN · Jan 25, 2009

Definitely don't let them sway your good judgement and be talked into things that are against the rules but I'm pretty laid back at first with my kids even the criminal offenders. You will figure out the best way to deal with each one as you get to know them better because imo engaging in a power struggle is usually a no win situation. My kids know that I am fair, do what I say and must do my job. If I can do something extra for them and its not against the rules I will find the time/resources to do it. They still ask me for totally inappropriate privileges at times but I have yet to have one throw a fit when I said, "you know darn right well thats not going to happen". I think establishing a caring rapport with them is crucial in the big picture. Please don't lose sight of the fact that these are still children and I'd bet many of them haven't ever been treated with kindness and respect. Just don't ever turn your back on one of them.

marilynmom, LPN, NP · Jan 25, 2009

Definitely don't let them sway your good judgement and be talked into things that are against the rules but I'm pretty laid back at first with my kids even the criminal offenders. You will figure out the best way to deal with each one as you get to know them better because imo engaging in a power struggle is usually a no win situation. My kids know that I am fair, do what I say and must do my job. If I can do something extra for them and its not against the rules I will find the time/resources to do it. They still ask me for totally inappropriate privileges at times but I have yet to have one throw a fit when I said, "you know darn right well thats not going to happen". I think establishing a caring rapport with them is crucial in the big picture. Please don't lose sight of the fact that these are still children and I'd bet many of them haven't ever been treated with kindness and respect. Just don't ever turn your back on one of them.

Thanks! That is great advice! You make a lot of good points....

This type of nursing is just so new to me and I'm not sure how to "be" with these boys.

Shell5 · Jan 31, 2009

I agree with the advice about not letting what they have done effect you or atleast do not allow it to show on the outside. We had a sex offender where I work on a psych unit and some people had negative feelings toward the individual and it came out toward this person in ways that I don't believe they even realized ie; giving extra work to the person, etc. Remember, many of these individuals have probably been abused themselves and probably have deep seated issues. You have to look at the behavior and not the person but still be safe.

Mr Ian · Jan 31, 2009

You will probably get formal instruction on security, emergencies and incident management - as well as a guided tour.

When you're alongside another nurse they will keep you right. And no (decent) nurse will expect you to fully up to speed day one - or even day 5.

When you're on your own - managing the kids is still the officers/youth workers job. The officers will keep an eye on you - they're not going to let you do something that causes them any more trouble than it's worth!

Remember - you're there doing what you know - nursing. That's your primary task.

And every one of those staff had a first day at work.

My experience of health care in prisons is that the nurses have their system pretty well fixed up and tight.

(And you get a lot more respect for your role from the other staff than you get from staff in the mainstream)