?'s from non medical people about this type of nursing?

Audreyfay · Sep 14, 2003

I have not had a regular position in a correctional facility, but I have worked agency at a prison. Their orientation pretty much filled you in on what to do, and what not to do. Inmates were never left alone with you. There were always guards around. The other thing is that they know you are there to help them. You treat them with compassion and respect, and they will do ANYTHING to protect you. I felt totally safe the entire time.

ragingmomster, BSN, MSN, RN · Sep 21, 2003

Not long after I started working in corrections a mentor sent me a nursing journal article about "caring" for prisoners. I am sorry I can't remember where it was but if you do a search on "ethical caring" you may come up with the info. It clearly outlines the difference between "natural caring" (think sad puppy) and "ethical caring" (think foul mouthed murderer). It really helped me.

Good luck!

jmallenwood · Oct 9, 2003

Prisoners are our brothers and sisters, fathers and mothers...some very famous and "nice" people have been in jail - from Jesus (just overnight) and Saint Paul (a regular jailbird) to Dreyfuss and the Scotsboro boys...The Quakers have a saying, "There is that of God" in every person.

renerian, BSN, RN · Oct 10, 2003

I was offered correction staffing options yesterday and am considering. I am searching information on the web now.

renerian

Orca, ADN, ASN, RN · Oct 11, 2003

It is no different from caring for any other patient. The one primary thing to bear in mind is to stick to your protocols and written policies. Inmates are as a group more manipulative than most, and can quickly paint you into a corner if you deviate from what you should be doing.

I prefer not to know what an inmate is doing time for, so that it will not affect my attitude toward that individual or how I deal with him. I operate pretty much as I do in my per diem hospital job. I treat inmates with respect, and they get no less than my best in terms of treatment. I am not there to administer punishment. The courts have already done that by taking away their freedom.

It can be a very rewarding field of work. The inmates are generally very appreciative of what you do for them. Any act of helping is magnified in an environment where little things mean a lot, because these guys don't get much.

susan18 · Mar 20, 2004

It is no different from caring for any other patient. The one primary thing to bear in mind is to stick to your protocols and written policies. Inmates are as a group more manipulative than most, and can quickly paint you into a corner if you deviate from what you should be doing.
I prefer not to know what an inmate is doing time for, so that it will not affect my attitude toward that individual or how I deal with him. I operate pretty much as I do in my per diem hospital job. I treat inmates with respect, and they get no less than my best in terms of treatment. I am not there to administer punishment. The courts have already done that by taking away their freedom.
It can be a very rewarding field of work. The inmates are generally very appreciative of what you do for them. Any act of helping is magnified in an environment where little things mean a lot, because these guys don't get much.

Reply to ORCA:

You couldn't have said it better; I agree with you completely. I love correctional nursing, and find it challenging and rewarding.

TinyNurse, RN · Mar 21, 2004

never done that kind of nursing, but have spent a night in jail. I'm currently an RN in the ER. I don't mind caring for prisoners in my ER.

I respect the fact that you have considered correctional nursing.

rn711 · Mar 22, 2004

I have been in corrections since 2001, and I wouldn't do anything else! I have honed my assessment skills by weeding out the "bs" from the "truth". I have learned to rely on my "gut" as well as my knowledge, and I have shown the inmates that I care about their medical needs, but I don't have time to "play the game". My favorite saying is "My job is to keep you healthy, not happy". The inmates respect that and they know I have their best interests at heart. Good luck in your new job!