What's next after correctional nursing?

[Elky]

Hello all,

I recently became employed through a California state hospital, and plan to go back to school online and obtain my BSN (I currently have ADN).

After I obtain my BSN, is there any doctorate or masters program where I would benefit from the experience of government nursing/correctional nursing?

I guess my question is: What's next?

I'm in my mid-20s, and still planning on continuing my education.

Those of you with experience who have been doing this for a long time, where has correctional nursing or government nursing led you?

What doors has it opened for you, compared to acute care, critical care, or bedside nursing? I know some graduate nursing programs require a certain number of med-surg experience, and I suppose that correctional nursing doesn't count in that regard.

thank you for your time~

[Faeriewand, ASN, RN]

I would like to follow this thread as I am new to correctional nursing, but I work in a hospital and we get patients from the various prisons in the region. I do plan to get a state correctional job in the future however.

[Tippyrn]

The only plus is state jobs have a good retirement package

[Elky]

I work for the Sheriffs Dept of my county, but Medical is employed through CFMG (California a Forensics Medical Group), so we aren't County or state workers, unfortunately.

The pay and benefits are good though...no retirement, just 401k.

[bryanleo9]

I believe corrections experience closes more doors than it opens. Hospitals don't want you and you tend to just get stuck. Long term care is always and option, but that is not for everyone.

You are right corrections even though we deal with drug overdoses and stabbings etc does not count as acute care for Schools or getting hospital jobs.

[bryanleo9]

The retirement is why I stay.

[Neats, BSN]

I think correctional nursing does open up doors it is just where you practice at. Some prisons have hospital like environments and some have types of office based ambulatory nursing. Your skills can transfer easily if you present your resume in the right way. I was a Healthcare prison manager at an infectious disease facility I had 5 negative pressure rooms. I learned way more about infectious disease and worked with some very well know physicians in the state where I lived. Most of those physicians were affiliated with big name hospitals. They would always ask me when I would be joining them. I also worked at a work release prison where I gained experience with ambulatory style/office nurse. I learned more about chronic care disease than I ever wanted to know. My prison experience had served me well for emergency room nursing in that what comes through the door I am able to use my verbal skills in de-escalating bad situations and make rapid assessment.

I think it is what you make of it and how you apply your self.

[Oldmahubbard]

I am retired from the Corrections environment but I find people tend to respect me because of this background. It takes a lot to get me upset.

[bryanleo9]

Yes you have to have thick skin to work here.

[Elky]

Didn't answer my question, but thank you for your input.

[ivyleaf]

WHat are you interested in? I know people who have gone from corrections to ED

[Orca, ADN, ASN, RN]

The only plus is state jobs have a good retirement package

It goes a bit beyond that. We aren't going to be bought out, taken over or closed down. We don't call off for low census. Also, once you are off probation, your employer must show cause in order to terminate you, and there are specific steps that must be taken to accomplish it. You don't have any real protections with most private employers.