Very short orientation/new grad feeling unsure

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I'll make this as short as I can. I'm a new grad RN, graduated in June, passed NCLEX in September in 75 questions, moved to CA, shortage of new grad positions here. I found an agency hiring new grads as independent contractors for the mental health unit in a correctional facility. It was conveyed to us (telephone conversation) that it would probably be 4 weeks of training. In actuality, it is two very short and unorganized days of piles of papers, policies, procedures, forms, etc. to familiarize ourselves with. We were then informed that we would shadow another RN for two shifts and then we would be on our own.

I am feeling very unsure of the whole situation. I'm not intimidated at all by the correctional facility but am very concerned about the lack of training/orientation and how it could come back to bite me. I don't want to risk my license over something simply because I wasn't properly trained/oriented. As a contractor, I don't have much say in anything, so I'm not too sure what to do.

Just looking for some opinions. Should I stick it out to get some experience? Or is it too big of a risk to my license to be put in this situation as a new grad on a first job?

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Specializes in SICU, trauma, neuro.

I would run, not walk. From what I understand of correctional nursing, I would be completely terrified of needing to learn everything I needed--intricate P&Ps, legal issues, boundary issues, etc.--in two days. If you haven't, it might be a good idea to post this on the correctional nursing board and get their advice.

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Specializes in Critical Care, Education.

Totally agree with PP.

Correctional nursing is a mega-specialty.... in which other specialties (M/S, CC, behav health, etc.) exist. There is a very specific skill set for practicing safely in this environment due not only to the highly restrictive environment, but the characteristics of the patient population.

My guess? This situation is probably related to a private (for-profit) prison that provides nurses via an outside contractor.. who is also primarily motivated by profit. Apologies if I am wrong, but I have seen it before.

Based on OP's description, this is not a safe working environment for any nurse, let alone a new grad.

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