Working as an RN in California Prison

[Shantas]

I am a Canadian graduated female RN currently working at Kaiser system. I have been thinking of working in the California prison ie Chino California Institution for Men....I never worked in a prison before. I did work in forensic psych hospital in Alberta Canada. Every one that I know are telling me about the negative aspects of working in a prison! But the pay is very attractive. Can anyone be able to tell me more about working in a prison system?? Is it really really dangerous for a female to work there?? How about the work load...is it very heavy like a regular med/surg floor in a regular hospital? How does the kaiser system and prison system compare in regards to pay and work load? Any info will be greatly appriciated:)

Thanks

[nursebill1]

Hi there, I am interested in moving to CA and would like to know how many paid vacatation/sick days are offered by working as an RN at the prisons. I have checkd some sites out but they don't really tell you an exact number. Any help would be much appreciated. Thanks.

[elilop]

Also, in the Infirmary, I have up to 15 patient/inmates (8 medical patients and 7 psych patients). As the cClinic Nurse/First Responder, I had to do 14 diabetic shots and would care for inmates if the officers called for a Medical Emergency/Man Down/or Inmate c/o something or new onset problem, or the MD wanted me to check BP's, Accu Checks, DressingChages, etc. Usually I was with the Urgent/Emergent Nurse from 1400 to 1800 then she went home and I was by myself until 2200. If there was a complex case or I needed help, or I needed an RN for protocols, then I would call for the TTA Nurse to come back me up or take over. The MD Line docs see up to 12 patients in one day, but that's pushing it! The Face-to-Face and Urgent/Emergent would probably see about the same number of patients as MD Line..maybe more or maybe less (also depends on critical emergencies that arise with inmates ie: Seizures or Mass Casualties (riots), or if nursing staff is short in critical areas. By the by, here is Solvere (my agencies number) 1.800.451.4261. Speak with Christy Silverman or Grace Boss. They also pay RN's well (LVN's, too).

Hello... I know this is an old posting but I just have a quick question for everyone that know about the correctionals system.... I am a LVN and would love to work in prison, do you get to choose the shift you want to work at? do you have 12 or 8 hrs shifts? I realy want to work in the correctionals department but I only like working nights...do you guys think that is possible?

[vincejojo]

Hi Shantas. I am a LVN and I am a Contract Nurse for the California So don't let them bother you...don't let them mess with your paycheck (implying not to let the inmates run me off and leave the prison and my fat paycheck)". I have also learned quite a few new skills at the prison and have been able to apply my ER and Telemetry experiences from the hospital that I worked before. You can also have the Department of Motor Vehicles place a block on your license so no one can access your information, if you so desire....just go to the Personell Dept at Chino State Prison..they can help. You also have officers around when you are dealing with inmates as well as you carry a whistle and alarm and have a stab resistant vest which offers some protection. So, I hope this info helps... I tried to tell you both the good and bad points so you have somewhat of an accurate picture to go on. I really enjoy it though! Some days can be hard at the prison, but anywhere you go in nursing will have it's good and bad days...just give it a try, ok. And even if you only work there for 6 months, it will have been a new experience/knowlege gained as well as you can save a load of money. I wish you the best. Sincerely, Jules LVN :)

You really did a good job explaining. Thanks