How To Become A Correctional Facility Nurse
Nursing is still a very hot career and it is in high demand. Most nurses figure they will work at a regular hospital like everyone else. Some nurses who were already working at a hospital were frustrated by the lack of respect they sometimes get or could not even prescribe drugs that patients can get over the counter. Some nurses landed in the field of prison nursing by accident. Regardless of how it happens, both types have found that being a correctional nurse is actually very rewarding, challenging and thoroughly enjoyed it.
What makes this career field so recent? The most obvious uniqueness about being a prison nurse is the atmosphere and environment itself. For some, the first time they get “locked up behind bars” when they inaugurate working in a facility, can be a little unnerving at first. After they adjust to this environment the variability and rewarding aspects speaks for itself. The atmosphere can be exciting, adrenaline boosting, and everyday can bring on something completely different or out of the ordinary.
A second unique feature you might not think of is that the inmates themselves usually are very grateful for the medical attention. Most of these inmates have never seen a medical professional in their life and are very glad for the opportunity.
Another aspect of being a nurse in the prison system is that it brings in a different type of ethics into the nursing field. The ethical side of working in this atmosphere is that you will have to treat inmates who may be on death row, or tried to commit suicide in their jail cell and you collected are expected to resuscitate them. This part definitely can cause some ethical dilemmas, but is part of working as a correctional facility nurse.
A final area that makes working in a correctional facility inviting is the disaster factor and possible hard lessons as you go. One hard lesson that is later learned is that you need project confidence and not explain any weakness. If you show weakness, inmates may try to take advantage of you or ask favors of you. This can sometimes do a situation that you may not be ready for. This aspect may make the job more difficult, but the correctional facilities try to make it as safe as possible for the staff. If an inmate is deemed as particularly dangerous, a correctional police officer will accompany the nurse into the inmate’s cell.
The basic requirements (requirements will vary depending on the facility hiring and state requirements) for being a nurse in correctional facilities are:
(1) A RN/BSN degree from an accredited university & preferably a CCN (Certified Correctional Nurse), If you have this higher certification, it is to your benefit and you will be able to negotiate a higher salary.
(2) At least 1-2 years of previous experience as a registered nurse.
(3) Bonus: previous background in a facility working with adults with mental health or learning disabilities.
There are 3 general processes for getting your certification as a correctional nurse.
The detailed information for these processes and everything you need to know is on the website of the American Correctional Association (ACA).
Website: http://www.aca.org/certification
(1) Request a certification application earn or download it from forms link-the will send you the fabricate, manual explaining program, recommended study material and a list of upcoming test sites/dates.
(2) Submit the filled-in application develop and requested documentation
(3) Pass your exam with a 75% or higher (90% earns an honor credential)
The difficult part is that the test sites and dates are limited. They are only given several times throughout the year in different parts of the nation. If you miss a test date, it may be hard to acquire another one soon that is close to your area. If you don’t pass the exam the 1st time, you do have the opportunity to re-take the test. You may retake the test an unlimited number of times within about a 2 year period and then the application expires.
But, like I mentioned, the testing dates/places are pretty wide spread.
What is the cost of certification?
It is recommended that you become a member of the ACA organization. You will get a better rate on the price of the exam (save about 20% off the cost). Their basic annual cost for a professional 1 is $35.00/year. The price goes up depending on type of membership.
Exam Fee: ACA Member – $180.00
Non-Member – $225.00
Additional benefit for being a member:
1 year subscription to their “Corrections Today” magazine
“On the Line” newsletter
20% discount on certain publications and correspondence courses
ACA directories and discounted rates on their Winter Conference/Summer Congress of Correction
As quoted by Kathy Hebert-LaginessLaginess, MBA, RN, and presiSecureCareSecureCareh care”.
Sources:
www.nurseweek.com, Nurse Week: Prison Break, March 12, 2001
http://www.nurseweek.com/news/features/01-03/correctional.asp
American correctional Association (ACA): Professional Certification Program, accessed Aug 18, 2008.
http://www.aca.org/certification/
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Filed under Nursing Courses by on Aug 24th, 2011. 