RN in correctional facilities any feedbacks

banditrn · Jul 9, 2006

Melanie - I've never been hit that hard, but I've known several that have. I've been slapped, pinched, spit at, etc. After awhile you just learn evasive moves, I guess.

I don't know, but I would imagine that at a correctional facility you wouldn't have to put up with some of the crap that you put up with at the hospital.

Dixiecup · Jul 23, 2006

I worked in corrections for 13 years. You either love it or you hate it. And you usually know which one within 24 hours. I loved it. I would have never left, I loved my job and still kind of go through withdrawl when I drive by a prison! But I just couldn't take the politics any more. So I left and went back to school. I'm pursueing my NP degree right now but I still miss corrections!. (The benefits are usually outstanding!)

mlnrs1 · Jul 23, 2006

The other nite at the LTC facility where I work, a demented old guy tried to strangle the nurse with the lanyard she had around her neck with the keys on it - now we're not allowed to wear them on our neck anymore.

No stethoscope around the neck either. I work in psych and have heard stories of nurses being choked with it.

gth · Jul 23, 2006

Hello! I am just accepted in a correctional facility here in California and I'm kinda scared because I will be directly in contact with notorious criminals on death row and I would just like to know any feedbacks. Orientation have not yet started but would like to know first hand of any of your experience. thanks in advance!

go for it. Worked in a prison setting for several years and really liked it after several weeks gettong used to it.

Antikigirl, ASN, RN · Jul 23, 2006

I thought of it for a while, but declined because I know myself toooooo well..and I can be quite a push over and nieve really... In fact, I had to have a few prisioners as pts and they even said I was far too cute and friendly for corrections work...I would stand out too much and proably get taken advantage off with some of the more manipulative people there...

I don't know...just didn't seem to be my gig. But I will agree that I would find it perhaps more safe than hospital or psych! Injuries sustained so far:

1. Bit nipple requiring ER from a geri that got freaked while I was taking her pulse.

2. Broken finger from being grabbed by an geri gent who was ticked.

3. Bruised calf/hurt back and was in sorry shape after rescuing a fellow CNA from a man that attacked her and was doing inapproprite things to her (sexually) as she was pinned beneth.

4. Black eye from a geri pt that all the sudden went nice to raging mad in 2 seconds and hit me square in the eye!

5. Pulled hip holding down a pt that attacked another nurse (security gaurds also injured).

6. Torn hair and hit in head from an angry pts family member when she felt we weren't doing enough for her druggie boyfriend (she was on meth).

7. Numberous scratches and bruises on wrists/arms from patients that grab at me (typcially geris, got to watch that but sometimes you just aren't that fast! LOL).

8. Full urinal thrown full force at my head...was drenched (another geri).

9. Bottle of baby food thrown at me, missed my head by an inch or so with my duck...broke double window behind me from an geri lady that was upset her toast wasn't burnt enough!

10. Slapped twice hard in the face by a druggie that thought he was in KGB prison and I was a spy as I was doing his head to toe assessment. He was nice and boom!

And I have only been a nurse 7 years and have actually ducked or missed getting hit more times than this!!!!! Uhgggggggggg gotta love the job! LOL!!!!

banditrn · Jul 23, 2006

Triage - sounds like you need to move faster - or get a suit of armor!! :lol2: