As a nurse, you must be thinking about your next assignment placement and what to expect. There are opportunities in different places but many nurses are hesitant to take advantage of opportunities in correctional facilities. There is an assumption that it is too dangerous to work in prisons but that’s it – misinformation. In fact, working as a nurse in a correctional facility will give you a chance to grow your career while earning handsomely. After all, there is no much difference from traditional nursing jobs and care settings. However, you may expect a few differences, some of which are even better compared to traditional care settings. Therefore, if you are considering this opportunity, you need to know a few things. Here is comprehensive discussion about nursing jobs in correctional facilities, and several reasons why you should see it as a serious career opportunity.
First, you will earn more compared to working in a traditional care setting. You would argue that the salaries vary depending on the details of the assignment but on average, a nurse working in a correctional facility earns more. After all, correctional facilities target talented professionals; hence the the reason for higher rates. As mentioned above, some nurses fear this job because they assume they will be assisting in disciplining inmates and doing similar jobs as officers. Note that you will work in a safe environment, and in many instances, officers will accompany you to guarantee your safety. Before you sign for the job, ensure you understand what it entails because there should be emphasis on safety. But from statistics, there have been minimal cases of attacks on healthcare or any other civilian staff.
Remember that there are plenty of opportunities waiting for you. Unlike other careers where there are limited chances, you will multiple options when it comes to working as a nurse in a correctional facility. One of the reasons is that very few nurses take up these opportunities so there are vacancies to be filled, always. Now that you understand why it is ideal to work as a nurse in a correctional facility, the next step is to apply for the job. You can use different methods, including application through a staffing agency. With the availability of many correctional nursing staffing agencies, it requires a lot of attention to settle for the best, especially if you don’t have adequate experience in the process.
From the list of options within your reach, find out which agencies provide connections and job opportunities in your preferred area. It is important to know that some agencies specialize in providing job opportunities in one or two locations. It would be ideal to work with a company that can link you up with job opportunities in several locations. Check out the terms of employment, and the involvement of the agency in various issues pertaining the contract. These are key points to look into before signing any contract. You may have been doubtful about correctional nursing jobs. The discussion above should clear any doubts in your mind, and you should not hesitate to apply for these opportunities as you develop your career.