Recently hired to work in a women's prison

wyogypsy, RN · Feb 26, 2012

Be fair, firm, and consistent. If you do something for one inmate you have to do it for them all. Follow the rules - don't break them because you feel sorry for the inmate even if it is something such as a tylenol or bandaid. Don't let the inmates make you feel guilty for following the rules - they know the rules and are the ones deliberately putting you on the spot to see if they can get something from you. If you tell them you will follow up on something then do it, if you can't do it that day then tell them so. If they start to get angry tell them you can either be honest with them, or you can tell them you will do it that day and let them down, and you chose to be honest. Remember, when they ask for one thing they shouldn't have and you give it to them it will lead to them asking for another thing, and on and on. If you can find the book Games Criminals Play you should read it. Many of them are either on, or need, some type of psychotropic medication, and it will be up to you to to help recognize this. Do not forget to ask other staff for guidance. Listen to the officers and learn from what they tell you to keep you safe. If you don't listen to them, or are an ass to them, they might not be so quick to come to your aid should you need it. Remember it is a security facility, NOT a medical facility. And again, be fair, firm, and consistent.

Lastly - do not ever forget they are still patients. Taking the time to actually hear what they are saying can mean the difference between good healthcare and bad healthcare, and in some cases the difference between life and death. Death from either a medical problem or suicide.

I have worked corrections for 9 years and am going back into that field. It can be great, it can be hell, it is a huge adrenaline rush. You either like it or you hate it, you are either meant for it or you aren't. Stay safe and good luck!

dekagirlsRN · Feb 26, 2012

Thank you so much, wyogypsy. I appreciate all the advice and will take heed to it. I strongly believe I will like it, but can't say for sure until I give it a try. I was offered to work full-time or per diem, but I chose per diem so I could test the waters first to see if it's for me. Thanks again!! :loveya:

it's hot in phoenix · Feb 27, 2012

I have to agree with wyogypsy. I have been in female corrections for 5 years, with my second job at local hospitals and ironically I am oddly comfort at the "big house". Those I work with say women are more diffcult then the men, but seeing I only have worked around the female population, I can not say. One thing you wont have to worry about at the mens prison - is someone pregant with #10 and they have a little cramp - then you and God above are delivering a baby:) I wouldnt give up my job for anything - good luck to u and be safe!!!