Anyone know what it's like to work at Folsom State Prison? (Sacramento: 2013, unemployment)

[Kevin98103]

Specifically working as an RN. Of all the CA state prisons, Folsom always seems to have the most openings. Wondering if that's due more to outside factors, or if it's just a terrible place to work so new nurses never stay.

[NorCal Dude]

let's think about this logically, the only people who are still in prison in California in 2013 are people who are seriously violent offenders.

we're talking people who will have no problem cussing at you , spitting at, you sexually harassing you and attacking you.

[caligirlz]

No, but my friend retired last year. He was the assistant warden. He is much nicer and happy now.

The prison system is HIGH, HIGH stress with a lot of turn over. There are much better RN positions to be had in Sacramento/ NorCal. I get daily emails (via Linkenid) from recruiters for RN positions. I'm spoiled at my job and don't have a desire to leave.

[Kevin98103]

Originally Posted by NorCal Dude

we're talking people who will have no problem cussing at you , spitting at, you sexually harassing you and attacking you.

Newsflash: that's just about any jail/prison.

Originally Posted by caligirlz

The prison system is HIGH, HIGH stress with a lot of turn over.

In fact, the CA economy has been so bad, unemployment so high, that Folsom is one of few state prisons hiring nurses, which is why I asked this in the first place.


I was hoping to hear from someone who actually "knows" something about working as an RN at Folsom, instead of speculation and anecdotes. Anybody else?

[Curmudgeon]

Originally Posted by Kevin98103

I was hoping to hear from someone who actually "knows" something about working as an RN at Folsom, instead of speculation and anecdotes. Anybody else?

Yeah! Not an RN and not at Folsom but basically if you're worked one prison you've worked them all. If you've worked SHU and gang tiers as I did you've worked the worst of them. I've been a Correctional Officer, Sergeant, Correctional Counselor and Parole Agent. In other words, I've worked the system inside as well as out on the streets where I was also part of a multi-agency, narcotics task force. I also had periodic assignments as hospital officer and hospital sergeant. Following that I got involved in the mental health arena with the prisons and their staff. Is that enough relevant experience for you?

Prison is prison. It's loud, dirty, smelly, dangerous, and that's just the inmates. What others had to say is spot-on. Also expect a whole bunch of mandatory overtime. You'll deal with a lot of doctors whose names you won't be able to pronounce and whose accents you won't be able to understand. You may work any of three watches and weekends off will be very rare, as will holidays until you build up seniority. You'll also have to deal with staff who may be less than supportive and pleasant. Don't be surprised to find medical equipment and supplies lacking and a whole lot of pressure due to federal oversight. What more do you want to know?

Oh, yeah. If an anecdotal information isn't of any value to you, tough! It's better than nothing. By the way, attitude isn't of any value either.

[caligirlz]

Originally Posted by Curmudgeon

Yeah! Not an RN and not at Folsom but basically if you're worked one prison you've worked them all. If you've worked SHU and gang tiers as I did you've worked the worst of them. I've been a Correctional Officer, Sergeant, Correctional Counselor and Parole Agent. In other words, I've worked the system inside as well as out on the streets where I was also part of a multi-agency, narcotics task force. I also had periodic assignments as hospital officer and hospital sergeant. Following that I got involved in the mental health arena with the prisons and their staff. Is that enough relevant experience for you?

No, you're not an RN like me! Love ya anyways!!!!

[Curmudgeon]

Originally Posted by caligirlz

No, you're not an RN like me! Love ya anyways!!!!

::::sigh:::: Sometimes ya just can't win. Does being married to a midwife count?

Prison and sate hospital nurses have a really tough job. I don't envy them.

[caligirlz]

Originally Posted by Curmudgeon

::::sigh:::: Sometimes ya just can't win. Does being married to a midwife count?
.

Yes!! it counts!!!! I thought you had an excellent post. But I guess neither of us count in the mind of the OP since we are not RN's who actually work at Folsom Prison now.......

[Kevin98103]

Originally Posted by Kevin98103

Specifically working as an RN. Of all the CA state prisons, Folsom always seems to have the most openings. Wondering if that's due more to outside factors, or if it's just a terrible place to work so new nurses never stay.

My question was simple and specific. I didn't ask about prisons in general, narcotics task forces, or anyone's resume or mini biography. Now when anyone else searches for this same question in the future, they'll find this hijacked thread full of irrelevant anecdotes and snarky chit chat.

So for anyone interested in the original question, the conclusion here is apparently "outside factors."

[Curmudgeon]

Originally Posted by Kevin98103

My question was simple and specific. I didn't ask about prisons in general, narcotics task forces, or anyone's resume or mini biography. Now when anyone else searches for this same question in the future, they'll find this hijacked thread full of irrelevant anecdotes and snarky chit chat.

So for anyone interested in the original question, the conclusion here is apparently "outside factors."

I think we understood the question and we tried to be as helpful as we could since no Folsom nurse chimed-in. Our mistakes. So just keep wondering. The lack of any appreciation for anyone's attempts to be helpful says it all about you. You are now free to continue your whine-fest. G'Day!