scared

I know the area I live in needs correctional nurses. I have to say I am scared to do that. I don't have a problem at all with the inmates/or should I say why they are in there as that is not my issue. I am just afraid someone may try to hurt me or something....

Did anyone else feel that way and how did you get past that?

renerian

scared is not always a bad thing. i worked in an 1800 bed prison and it was a good experience. the key to working in corrections is to treat the inmates as you would any patient. just remember that inmates have all the time in the world to think up new ways to get their way. just keep an eye out for the line of BS, and don't buy into their mind games. you will definetly meet some interesting characters.

Thank you so much for your reply. I have heard and read lots of stories about "issues" inmates have and how some are excellent manipulators. I cannot help getting that lump in the throat.

Is there always someone around to protect you?

renerian

We carried radios, and had officers present for things like sick call and med lines. You can always get an officer to hang out with you while you perform a procedure if you need to. Officers always stayed with the inmates that had a violent hx while incarcerated, and we didn't even have to ask in those cases. You should have a locked nurse's area, and never let an inmate in that area if you're alone. We had one of those doors where you could open the top half, and leave the bottom half locked & closed. Also, remember that the really crazy ones are usually kept in the lockdown/solitary units longterm. You'll never enter their cells without at least 1 officer, if you ever enter at all.

Mind you, I worked at a female prison so you might want to be even more careful in a male institution. We've had a couple nurses attacked at one of the male prisons here. Just never, ever let an inmate be alone with you, and you'll be fine.

Well I have to hand it to you Good topic!!! Made me think about the job that I just left was a horrible horrible place! (curently a Nurse aide working towards the PN) We had serveral DON's come and go but the one Came from working in correction now she was a very good nurse but had told me once that she did get scared every now and then. So on that note I feel that its normal for about everyone, then again how could you not feel just a little bit scared.

Good thought and thanks.

renerian

I first started working in a male prison in 1997. The nurse that oriented me was a true nurse Ratchet. By that time I had been a working RN for >25 years. She had me scared of my own shadow. When I drove down the driveway and saw the razor wire, I would get palpatations and churning stomach and sweaty palms. I enjoyed the work, but questioned my sanity for putting myself in such jeopardy. I soon realized that the inmates appreciate being treated with respect. I have never had an incident where I can actually say I felt physically threatened at the prison. I have worked nights in an ER and had a gun pulled on me, been chased by someone offering to dash in my brains with a metal clipboard, been kicked, slapped, punched in LTC, been held at knifepoint in hospital by someone in DT's. In all those circumstances there has never been a security presence. I feel I am safer at the prison than at any of those other jobs. One has to be mindful of simple security measures and procedures, and not put oneself in a comprimising position, but I wouldn't trade my present prison job for anything. I love it and I do feel safe.

Pat

Thanks so much for a good light on correctional nursing. Do you work in a state or federal prison? I hear they are very different. I value any comments or thoughts. They are always looking for nurses here and later if I liked it I hear there are traveling corrections positions as well.

renerian

i've worked in a level 2 security prison for just over 7 yrs now but still clearly remember how frightened and intimidated i felt when i first started. it didn't take long to get over that fear but one must never forget where they are. actually, as i have told my family over and over again, not all criminals are locked up. as long as you always remain alert and never ever fall for some inmates sappy lines you will be fine. at the facility i work at the nurses are never to be alone with an inmate, even when the inmate is a pt in the infirmary. all the rooms are locked and the nurses don't have a key to their room. this is to ensure that there is always an officer present. if at any point we feel threatened or the patient becomes argumentative the officer steps in and takes control. i've worked in outside hospitals before and have come much closer to being injured than i ever have in the prison. plus, as an added benefit, you don't have to deal with the pt's family members who can at times become very demanding and abusive.

Wow that is a very valid point! NO family members around getting mad, irritated or giving you trouble..........that never crossed my mind. Thanks for the helpful thought.

Everyone thanks again for your input. I feel somewhat better about the issue.

I still think you are all very brave though.

renerian

I work in a state prison.

Pat