Student interested in Corrections.

hello everyone,

i originally posted this in correctional nursing, but it's a pretty slow forum, so i'm coping the post here. i am 18 weeks from graduating with my adn and am very interested in correctional nursing.

i completed a preceptorship at a max-security prison in ohio. i loved it. the staff were amazing and i was taught so much. i know this is what i want to do.

i have experience in from the university hospital in corrections; although it was an pca (aide) position. i'd float there at least once a week. i come from a long generation of law enforcement-- however, that wasn't for me. my dad was the chief of police so i was taught at an early age how to carry myself around people i'd run into that my dad arrested.

after my preceptorship, the don told me that i should come back and apply after graduation if i was interested. i followed up with a thank-you note. i've since wrote her a letter about pursuing my interest after graduation to keep me fresh in her mind.

i enjoyed med-surg/icu/peds/psych (the only thing i really didn't enjoy was ob)-- but i feel corrections is the best fit for me. i am strong in my assessment abilities (for a student) and am highly interested in infectious diseases.

when is the best time to begin the application process? now? a month before graduation? i'd also like to work contingent on a med-surg/pediatric floor so i won't lose my "clinical" skills (iv's, etc.).

thanks for any insight you can give me.

dani