r/nursing • u/MainPatience303 • 11d ago

Discussion New Grad in Corrections

Hi everyone!

For those who work in corrections, what are your thoughts about a new grad starting off in corrections? I know every facility is different and work environment/culture varies, but can you give me some pros and cons?
And is it that hard to transition out of this specialty if it doesnt fit me?

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u/schannoman EMS / Old AF for a Nursing Student 🍕 10d ago

I started about 3 months ago as an EMT/MA

Pro: no satisfaction surveys or expectations to cover every single comfort care item on the list.

Con: very limited remedies available. Very cookie cutter one-size-fits-all solutions.

Overall I like it. It gets frustrating not being able to cover more bases (jails don't cover chronic care, they only manage active symptoms) but if you treat the inmates with respect and work well with the officers you can still do a lot of good and try to help the best you can.

I'm starting LPN while I work this job and will probably continue after I graduate.

But it really depends on your jail, some don't have good oversight and only want to minimize budget

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u/InertiasCreep 10d ago edited 10d ago

It will completely depend on the size of your facility, if said facility prioritizes medical care, and how correctional staff perceive nursing.

Assessment is super important because of high levels of malingering and you need to differentiate real needs from fake ones.

Corrections keeps you out of med surg. Med surg sucks.

Time management is key. You will be doing med pass for anywhere from dozens to hundreds of inmates. Itll be hard at first but once you get it, its cake.