Written by: Breanna DeNino
SnapNurse Training Manager
July 21, 2023
Entering a previously unexplored phase of their nursing career, many healthcare professionals have found themselves drawn into the realm of corrections. It is remarkable how this uncharted territory has unveiled a world full of distinct advantages and exceptional rewards. This article serves as a platform to shed light on the numerous benefits that come with working as a traveling nurse in a correctional facility.
Unwavering Job Security
One of the foremost advantages of working in a correctional facility is the exceptional job security it offers. With a structured work environment and round-the-clock services required, nurses can find solace in the knowledge that their positions are stable and vital. The inherent nature of corrections institutes necessitates a constant presence of healthcare professionals, ensuring steady employment opportunities and a sense of professional stability.
Ideal Staff-to-Patient Ratios
Within the confines of a correctional facility, staff-to-patient ratios often become ideal due to the stringent security requirements. This optimal ratio allows nurses to provide comprehensive and personalized care to their patients. By working in an environment where patient needs are the central focus, nurses can dedicate ample time and attention to each individual, fostering a higher quality of care and stronger nurse-patient relationships.
Structured Work Environment and Shifts
In a correctional facility, nurses benefit from the structured work environment and set shifts. The clearly defined schedule allows for better work-life balance, providing nurses with the opportunity to plan their personal lives around their professional commitments. This stability contributes to reduced stress levels and increased job satisfaction, ultimately resulting in a healthier and more fulfilled nursing practice.
Exemption from Verbal and Physical Abuse
Unlike medical facilities, correctional facilities restrict family and visitor access to clinical areas, creating a safe space for nurses to focus solely on patient care. This environment eliminates the need for nurses to endure verbal or physical abuse from patients, allowing them to deliver treatments and interventions without the added burden of navigating difficult interpersonal dynamics. The emphasis on patient care over customer service alleviates unnecessary stress and enhances the overall nursing experience.
Clinician Exposure to Varied Nursing Specialties
Working in a correctional facility provides nurses with a unique opportunity for diverse clinical exposure. Within the walls of these institutions, nurses encounter a plethora of medical specialties, ranging from medical-surgical to emergency care, psychiatric care, substance abuse treatment, dialysis, and more. The dynamic nature of the environment enables nurses to expand their skill sets and broaden their knowledge across various nursing domains. Correctional facilities often offer specialized training that may be considered “out of scope” in traditional hospital settings, empowering nurses to perform tasks such as LPNs starting to administer IV medications, and CNAs drawing blood.
Embracing the Unconventional, Embracing Growth
Reflecting on the transformative journey of being a traveling nurse in a correctional facility, the benefits and rewards become even more apparent. Beyond the security and stability of employment, the ideal staff-to-patient ratios, structured work environments, and clinical exposure, this unique setting offers nurses an unparalleled opportunity for personal and professional growth. The correctional environment allows nurses to transcend traditional boundaries and embrace diverse specialties, broadening their horizons and fortifying their nursing prowess.
If you’re seeking an enriching and fulfilling nursing experience, consider venturing into the realm of corrections. It is a realm where personal and professional growth converges, propelling you toward a rewarding career that leaves an indelible impact on the lives of others.
