Reality?

[Pca_85revived, LPN]

Hi, I'm an LPN with geri experience as well as a CDCA. I'm really interested in correctional nursing, but the exposes on TV have me scared. Do the other staff really abuse and neglect the inmates? I don't want to be a witness to this and also don't want the fact that I'd report the mistreatment to cause my not being eligible for rehire if I put the job on my resume. Any advice? Thanks in advance, I know this forum is the least active of all the specialties and really appreciate what seems like very few active correctional nurses reading this and offering an answer.

[jescalynn, ASN, RN]

Don't believe everything you see on TV. I have never witnessed abuse and neglect. Prisoners recieve better treatment than many people out on the street. But it's not a job for the faint of heart. Keep reading forums on here there are lots that talk about what a day in the life is like.

[OrganizedChaos, LVN]

Don't believe everything you see on TV. I have never witnessed abuse and neglect. Prisoners recieve better treatment than many people out on the street. But it's not a job for the faint of heart. Keep reading forums on here there are lots that talk about what a day in the life is like.

Ditto what she said. Most CO's would not treat inmates that way because the inmates are human & because they could retaliate. Also you must have super thick skin because inmates can play you like a fiddle if you don't set clear boundaries & stick to them.

[Pca_85revived, LPN]

Thank you both so much. I've already read Games Criminals Play btw. An ex of mine I still talk to was a correctional officer and pretty much said what you guys did.

[Neats, BSN]

I started out as a nursing home administrator, went into correctional management (total of 10 years and now I am with a major insurance company. I am also a BSN.

Working in a correctional facility is not a bad job. Hone your assessment skills and know right from the start you are required to know security/safety for we all want to go home at the end of our shift to our families alive, and well.

It is not what you see on TV. It is much like office practice nursing with exception you have the safety in mind, you count the needles, you do not allow the offender alone in the office, when looking at a diabetic foot you position the patient in such a way you can asses but if they get angry you can get yourself out of harms way- much like the emergency room. There are other fundamental changes that occur-some staff cannot handle the "coldness" you develop (in that you are not touchy or speak about personal things, or for that matter give a band aid to someone).

Prisons do have infirmary (think sub-acute) and some bigger facilities even have hospitals (think critical access hospitals).

If you are firm fair and consistent you will be fine they are someone's son/daughter, sister/brother, aunt/uncle...I provide the same great care in or out of the prison system just do a different approach in prison for safety sake.

If you are consistent each time after awhile most offenders will come to appreciate your nursing skills and readily seek out healthcare services before they become an urgent/emergency crisis.

[DawnJ]

In two years, I witnessed one bad situation, which I reported. An officer lost their job because of it. I had some blowback from Security for a month or so, but the majority of the officers were as appalled as I was. My company (a contractor) stood by me the entire way and did everything they could to support me.