What Are We? Chopped Liver? Why Aren't We "Officers?"

Published

Hi All,

My nursing job at the prison now has me surrounded by Corrections Officers, as opposed to other nursing/medical staff. I feel like an animal on exhibit at the zoo! Even the lowest ranking COs think they don't have to have any respect for me, but, of course, I have to respect them. I say "Good Morining," they say nothing. They talk loudly outside my office. (Not all of them of course.) One interrupted me when I was on the phone with my boss, as if what I was doing was of no importance whatsoever.

I heard that prisons are modeled on the military; that's why we only use last names. Lately I've been wondering, if we are modeled on the military, why aren't nurses "Officers" like they are in the military? We, as RNs, would outrank nearly all the COs who can sometimes make life "inconvenient" for us if they choose to.

I don't want to give orders to the COs, and I want to be safe just like everybody else. I just think nurses in corrections deserve more respect than we get from some of the COs. I don't think they have any idea of the importance of nurses in prisons: look how rare disease outbreaks are, and how well they are handled. That protects the COs, too.

Are nurses in corrections "Officers" in any prison system? I think they should be.

Opera26

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in LTC, Hospice, corrections, +.

I am sorry you are experiencing this.

As a nurse I make a good deal more than the average CO.

I am fortunate where I work that I am very well treated. I think that attitudes flow down from the top. Especially in a military model. May I ask is it all medical staff or just you that this is happening to? Perhaps you need to examine what type of "vibe" you put out. Now I don't know you so don't take umbrage, its just something to consider. Respect is earned, but by acting professionally it is easier to command. Perhaps over time things will change as they begin to appreciate your special skill set.

I for one, would not want to be a CO. Yes they are in a tier one retirement package while I am in a tier two. Which doesnt seem fair considering we work in the same enviroment, with all its inherent risk. However if I am a CO then I don't have to wait for escort or coverage to see IM's. Sounds great right? Nope. I have to focus my attention on the assessment of illness, s/s, deciphering what an IM is really saying. Not assessing the risk of safety, security,flight or attack. I wouldn't want to treat an inmate alone for the sheer he said/she said factor of it. Let alone the risk of personal injury.

Having rank alone doesn't neccessarily guarentee respect. Hopefully this is just a few clueless individuals and not the majority of your CO's. Remember there are ijits everywhere and keep your chin up.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Wow...well I have never been treated with anything but respect by "my guys". Now maybe that was a bit different when I first started and they were wondering if they trusted me or not...but even then they were always polite!

There will always be those that think you shouldn't make mire than them. There has been those discussions come up where I work. One night one of "their own" said in return to the other officer, "so if you had put all that money into college we shouldn't pay you more". Coming from one of "them" it ended it pretty quick. But I am also quick to give credit where credit is due....my guys & girls keep me safe! They are as I call them ( meaning guys and girls ), my band of brothers. They treat me no different, and maybe a little better.

Now perhaps you work in a bad environment...but have you made the effort that you need to...to show them the respect you are asking for?

Up Vote Up Vote ×

thanks for the replies. if i were in the military, i would be a lieutenant, at minimum, i would guess. but you're right, rank does not guarantee respect. a higher ranking might imply knowledge and training, though; i don't know. it is only a couple of guys i have a problem with, plus the occasional off-the-cuff smart remark.

my attitude is ok. i agree that in time, people will understand the importance of my work. regardless, (for the sake of discussion here), my question remains: why aren't nurses who work in prisons ranking officers, like in the military, since prisons are based on a military style? why can't a nurse working in a prison system be a captain? does any state do it that way?

Up Vote Up Vote ×
thanks for the replies. if i were in the military, i would be a lieutenant, at minimum, i would guess. but you're right, rank does not guarantee respect. a higher ranking might imply knowledge and training, though; i don't know. it is only a couple of guys i have a problem with, plus the occasional off-the-cuff smart remark.

my attitude is ok. i agree that in time, people will understand the importance of my work. regardless, (for the sake of discussion here), my question remains: why aren't nurses who work in prisons ranking officers, like in the military, since prisons are based on a military style? why can't a nurse working in a prison system be a captain? does any state do it that way?

do you maybe you want to join the military?

i think the best place to get your question answered is where you work, their main personnel office. or check with other states' prison systems. there is probably a legal matter or two involved, also, such as regarding safety or something like that. as an officer, you might be expected to handle disciplinary and safety issues, just as the co's do. do you want to switch to being a co if you prefer that type of work to nursing?

i hope you can work out your differences with the troublesome couple of officers. it could make things unsafe for you if you are not getting along with them. hey, good luck.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Do you maybe you want to join the military?

I think the best place to get your question answered is where you work, their main personnel office. Or check with other states' prison systems. There is probably a legal matter or two involved, also, such as regarding safety or something like that. As an officer, you might be expected to handle disciplinary and safety issues, just as the CO's do. Do you want to switch to being a CO if you prefer that type of work to Nursing?

I hope you can work out your differences with the troublesome couple of officers. It could make things unsafe for you if you are not getting along with them. Hey, good luck.

Good points, Bub. There must be a reason why nurses are not the equivalent of commissioned officers in prisons. I definetly do not want to be a CO. I agree it will work out in time.

Thanks,

Op

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Rural, Midwifery, CCU, Ortho, Telemedicin.

When I entered the Ca. Correctiona; Medical staff stystem almost 3 years ago I did so at a time when they were changing from having what were called MTA who were both medical personnel and officers - one of the main reasons I was told and have seen evidence of why the system was failing, the resentment against new medical personnel was astounding. Only a few of the officers were "human" toward me. I had more than 40 years of experience as a R.N. and N.P., and had military exposure/experience. None of that mattered. I believe now that I have the officers respect. Part of the change came when we began to have dedicated officers who work in the clinics with us. But the big change came, I think, when they had to be in on some of the sessions with the patients and they were able to see that we actually do work as much as they and that we are as concerned for safety and that we do put reasonable limits on the inmates while still balancing doing all we can for them medically. We now are able to share some of our mutual frustrations and to work out the kinks in the system that we can unravel on a day by day basis. Those officers who do not have to work with us sometimes do remain resentful and harassing. Also when they go above and beyond - a token of appreciation is well spent. But if the nice approach doesn't work, having a reputation as a dragon doesn't hurt. Limit are not only for inmates but also for fellow employees and a written letter of concern may be of help. Hang in.:coollook:

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Hi Travduck,

Thanks for your response. I agree that it will all work out in time. I was thinking that maybe if I was an officer (like the type who wears gold bars, like a Leutenant, not like a CO), that I would automatically get respect. I was wrong. It has to be earned over time.

Op

Up Vote Up Vote ×
+ Join the Discussion