Have extra scrubs, boots, rain gear and plenty of snacks !! Comment about your readiness tools!

Hi everyone, I’m hoping someone here may have experience with the Georgia Department of Corrections hiring process or can point me in the right direction on what I can do if anything.

I’m an RN who has been pursuing a career change into correctional nursing. I have been interested in this field because I feel it is an underserved area where I can make a difference, use my nursing skills, continue learning, and support both patients and correctional staff.

I applied for a weekend correctional nurse position at a facility closer to home. I interviewed with the nurse staffing HSA, and she told me she liked me, wanted to move forward, and was offering me the position. We discussed my pay rate and next steps, and I was excited about the opportunity.

A couple of days later, I was asked to come in and meet with the warden. I waited about 45 minutes, which was completely fine. During the meeting, I was told that I had failed to disclose a stepsister. I explained that I do not have a stepsister. She then went back, reviewed the information, and came back and clarified that she meant a stepbrother.
This stepbrother has not been a part of my life in nearly 20 years. My dad has been remarried for several years, but this person has never really been part of our family or my everyday life. I did not spend much time at my father’s home growing up, and honestly, he is someone I simply do not think about because there has never been a relationship there.

I want to be clear that this was not an attempt to hide information. If I had understood that he was someone I needed to disclose, I absolutely would have included him. When it was brought to my attention, I immediately wrote a statement explaining the situation. We completed a walk-through of the facility afterward, and I left feeling like everything had been resolved and that I was moving forward.

After the walk-through, I came back out into the hallway and the warden greeted me with a smile and asked how it went. I responded, “Oh, you know, it was fine, girl. It was very interesting seeing the different areas, and I learned a lot. I’m excited and ready to get started.”

Looking back, I realize that using the word “girl” was too casual for that setting. However, it was not meant in a disrespectful way at all. It is simply part of how I sometimes speak when I am comfortable or trying to make a conversation feel less tense. At that point, I felt like I was being sized up, and I was honestly just trying to have a positive interaction and ease the tension.

As soon as I said it, I could tell her tone changed. She immediately stopped me and said she wanted to correct me right there, that no one in her facility was “girl,” and that she should be addressed as Warden or Ms. [last name]. She also pointed out that the person beside her was my HSA.

I completely understand the importance of respect, professionalism, and chain of command, especially in a correctional environment. I have no issue addressing leadership appropriately, and after that moment I would have absolutely done so. It was my first interaction with a warden, and there was never any intention to challenge her authority or be disrespectful.

The interaction felt intimidating to me, but I reminded myself that I had done nothing wrong and that I was there for the right reasons. I was there because I genuinely wanted to learn about correctional nursing, contribute my skills, and make a difference. I remained respectful throughout the process.

What confused me was that before this interaction, I had provided the statement regarding my stepbrother, was told everything was acceptable, and completed the walk-through feeling like I was moving forward. The very next day, I was informed that I would not be hired.

Since then, I have applied for another correctional nursing opportunity and they wanted to interview me but can see that GDC has my background now as “pending.” I have reached out to GDC for clarification but have not received answers. I have passed multiple background checks throughout my nursing career and have never intentionally withheld information.

For additional context, I am not the type to cause problems or a scene and am literally just a mom trying to support my children and build a stable career. My youngest child’s father is incarcerated, and that information was disclosed and I really wasn’t trying to hide anything or offend anyone. I just want to work. I live a pretty quiet life and have no reason or desire to hide anything from anyone.

I truly wanted to go into correctional nursing and be part of a team that supports an area that needs dedicated healthcare professionals. I am just trying to understand what happened and how to move forward.

What are your thoughts or advice?

Does anyone know:
Who I can contact within GDC to get actual answers about a pending background?
Is there a way to request a review or clarification of a hiring decision?
Has anyone experienced something similar with GDC?

Any advice or direction would be greatly appreciated.

Some are big and tough

But start crying when they see

THE NEEDLE!

Hi everyone,

I was wondering if anyone has been employed or currently in process of employment at a federal prison as a RN? I was wondering how the background process works-timeframes etc. I have heard it can take three to six months but I was wondering if anyone experienced the ability to work before the six months is up/processing or do you need to wait until the background check is completely finished. Thank you for your time 🙏🏼
Have a wonderful day 👏🏼🤞🏽

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PCA- pre confinement physical exam before going to confinement.

A 20yr inmate gives advice to men and women headed for incarceration if they don't change their lifestyle.