What is it like to be a nurse in a prison?

Specialties Correctional

Published

Just curious, I may have a job lined up in a very large corrections facility, and was curious to know what nursing at a prison entails? Is it dangerous? Etc..

Hi

I am really interested in all your replies about working as a nurse in a prison setting as I have an interview in just two weeks. I am a newly qualified nurse and so excited about this potential opportunity - do all you experienced prison nurses have any advice in terms of what I oculd prepare/expect for in my interview>

cheers

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Hi Cillianos,

Please let us know how your interview went. I'm not ready to apply, but am following this post. I have a pretty good idea of what they are looking for, but would appreciate your current input.

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Specializes in LTC, Hospice, corrections, +.

ICE= Immigration and customs enforcement.

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Specializes in Federal Corrections.

I worked the last 20 yeas in Federal correction from Max 6 units where 300 year was common. to nurse manager of an FCI.

It has beern great. Have to say I was hurt more on the outside working MH where you really cant do the use of force stuff. But in the BOP to lay a hand on me is 5 years. you are also a Federal officer with POA and maintain them even after you retire.

CN is very exiting most institutions are about 1500 to 3000 I/M strong. Most of the time the Nurse is not the target of an beating unless they have had a big head and dont like the work. As a Nurse in Correction you must remember you job is not to punish the I/M your is just to provide the normal care they would receive outside. This is not always easy to do as most times you just cant rush a pt off to the outside hospital and thing move slowly and for good reason. Time has shown i/m well get over on staff.

If you are new to Nursing look at the PHS and work for the BOP. You will make way more $ ans benefits. You cant not carry a weapon but the % can me 3 x more than a CS BOP staff doing the same job

Hess

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Specializes in Nil..

Kricky....this in response to the original message. Your statements are quite out there aren't they?

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My best friend works for POS medical out of Maryland and loves it. She said they are still hiring too.

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Thank you! Your reply was very helpful. I am just graduating with a BSN and am considering applying to corrections. Question: What is ICE?

I used to work in the law enforcement field and to me "ICE" is "immigration customs enforcement". This is a federal entity.

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Specializes in CNA.

Does your husband have any suggestions of how to do med pass with those in locked cells? how to prevent palming meds?

can't open the sally port/cuffport...do watch, see them clear their mouths...

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I work in a hospital that has a unit exclusively for the state's DOC. More pay! And no worries about the unit closing even if there is only 1-2 patients :)

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Specializes in most of them.

I assure you it is a legitimate job and quite difficult at times.

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Specializes in most of them.

Do NOT go into corrections as a new nurse. Give yourself at least 2 years in a med surg environment so your skills are firm! In corrections you are dealing with people with personality disorders continually and your assessment skils have to be sharp. These people have no reason to tell you the truth and a lot to gain by malingering and manipulating in order to get privileges, pain killers, lower bunk passes, many other things as well. There are no good people in prisons. The prisoners are mirrors like all anti social personalities. They are capable of presenting you with what they think you need/want.

I have been in corrections in 2 states. once for 6 years and now for 2 in another state. But I had worked for twenty years as an RN when I went in the first time. Now I've done another 20 as a Rehabilitation and physical medicine nurse and in diabetes/dialysis. I can be pleasant but very discerning. Most of these people do not tolerate the word 'NO'.

Do yourself a big favor and develop your caring side. There is no need for it in corrections. I do what I can to maintain health and try to do some teaching. There is always the possibilty of a 'golden moment' in time. I came back to it because it really is a clinic type of nursing and my back is shot after 40 years at the bedside and all it involves. I retire next year and look forward to it.

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Specializes in Med-surg, IP surgery.

I am a correctional nurse and have been so for almost a year and a half. Started in corrections as medical but have ended up in the psych unit. Both are good but medical is open population (open pop) and psych is CM (Close management). They are both very different. I must say I like the psych better and even though I work 11p-7a I have a good rapport with my inmates and have often (oh, shucks, and kicking a piece of crap around modestly) have had many compliments from my correctional staff that things go very smooth when I am on shift. Hey, I treat my inmates like anyone else, I guess, giving them "respect" and they give it back. I will not say this job is for everyone but it can be very rewarding. I love what I do.

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