Want to get into correctional nursing

katethegreat · Jun 24, 2013

I did not know correctional nursing was for me. There are days I still don't, but I will tell you what tell my family and friends. You are much safer in a prison than you are in a hospital. Here EVERYONE who works here is trained how to not only protect themselves and assist their co-workers. Everyone is trained to be safe, and you will be too. Here, you know what kind of people you're dealing with. If there is crime, which is a rarity in and of itself, it's usually not directed at staff. And in the event that you do feel threatened, your fellow staff will be there in two shakes. For the most part the inmates are very respectful as they know nurses are the gatekeepers to any healthcare they will get.

Believe me, my family, fiance, friends, and random people I meet think I'm a little crazy. Maybe I am, but I like my job.

Now here's the part you don't want to hear: I came straight to prison right out of nursing school. My fellow graduates are now lightyears beyond me as far as nursing skill go because they work in hospitals. You may not have this predicament having been an LPN before becoming an RN, but I do often feel that I am at a severe disadvantage. I haven't started an IV or put in a foley since nursing school. Most of what I see is jock itch, and I give a lot of insulin. There are FMC's (Federal Medical Centers) where you will get more experience than at a regular FCI or USP.

I wish you the best of luck. If you have any questions, feel free to ask.

Marshall1 · Jun 24, 2013

Where I live they are always looking to hire for corrections..you could go state or federal or local. You can find federal jobs at http://www.usajobs.com

Local ones you could check the county's HR site and state you could check the Correctional companies that oversee the staffing or check on career sites like Indeed.com

You have enough experience to apply I would think - especially having MD office experience.

LindaBright, MSN · Jun 24, 2013

I think its natural for your loved ones to feel protective over you, we tend to only get the horror stories of correctional nurses' days, not the mundane experiences. But, like with anything, you should follow your heart and move on. From what I understand, correctional nurse positions aren't typically "entry level," but, there is also a shortage. Good luck!

katkonk, BSN, RN · Jun 27, 2013

I think it may depend on where you work, as far as your preparation. Where I have worked you really need skills, and that includes emergency skills. And yes, starting IV's was part of the job. So were MI's, Gastric Lavages, cutting with arterial bleeding, out of control inmates freaked out on God-knows-what. There are many previous threads regarding new nurses and going into correctional settings. As an RN get some good solid hospital time for a year behind you, preferably in an urgent care situation or emergency care. It will serve you very, very well. You will likely need it. Learn your EKG skills, learn primary care assessment skills and let that be your strength. Time and experience will teach you the rest. Good luck! (And I agree with the above posters on the safety aspect, it is safer than your average ER.)

Orca, ADN, ASN, RN · Jul 3, 2013

The odd thing is that I originally went into nursing to get out of corrections. I had worked in and around corrections in various capacities, including correctional officer, for over 15 years. In late 2000 I answered an ad for per diem nurses for my agency hoping to pick up a couple of shifts per month. That was over 13 years ago, and I'm in upper management now. I wouldn't willingly go back to hospital nursing.