Nursing or corrections officer?
Asked by Sexy Sunny
I am 25 I have a child. I make about 30,000 a yr now atmy job. The corrections department in my area is having an exam. I am thinking of taking this exam since the starting salary is 60,000 with a nice benefits package. I was planning on starting my nursing clinicals next yr and when I get out of school the salary is starting with about 70,000. After 5 yrs of being in corrections I would be making 90,000 and It would just go up from there. Im so confused but I need to be making more $$$ I have a son to take care of. I do receive child support but still times are really hard. I figure I could take the test and pass and get in as a correction officer and then study for nursing school at the same time. Or should I just continue on the path that Im on and in 3 yrs I will be a nurse. BTW the jail I would be working in is a piece of cake it is only filled with petty criminals. And you never go anywhere alone I was told. I am 5'1 and 135lbs.

Best Answer:
I know that you would be making a lot of money in a field like this, but I think that with your height and with your weight, that there may be some situations that you would have a hard time handling. In a hospital that was for corrections, that might be different, but working in an actual corrections facility, they may not figure it is a good idea. You can however, take the test, and see what they say. They may have some opportunities for you to handle some career within this field, but with your height, I am weighing towards more of the option of becoming a registered nurse.

Why not try to do both. You can work as a correctional officer while going to nursing school and work as a corrections nurse when you finish. The federal government offers positions for nurses in the prisons and the pay is really good. Also some nursing schools offer morning and evening clinical sessions because of the increase of students. Its possible to find a school with a clinical schedule to suit your needs.
Answered by ctelly22

I don't know what people have told you about corrections, or where you've heard this info, but it's wrong. I know several CO's, and not only does it take a long time to get processed, especially with the hiring freezes going on (my husband wrote the state CO exam last October when he got out of the military, and his case is still on hold), but you don't get a say in which prison you initially work in. You'll be assigned somewhere to start after you've graduated from the Academy, and you'll have to work there until they can transfer you somewhere else, which can take upwards of two years. They can assign you any prison in the state, and you'll have to go there. You'll have to apply for a transfer, and you'll only get that transfer if there are holes at your desired location. It's not as simple as just taking a test...the test is just the first part. After that you'll be required to partake in many more steps...a physical evaluation, and a lengthy mental health evaluation. Then you'll have to wait to get called to the Academy, which is an eight-week long deal. Factored into the starting salary figure is overtime-pay and holiday pay. You won't be making that much money without working overtime and holidays. I've never heard the "never go anywhere alone" thing. Maybe it applies for women only? That I'm not sure about, but even if you're not alone, it doesn't stop the inmates from verbally abusing you. I'd say stick with the path you are already on, as you don't seem to be too informed about your other option. Professions in the medical field will always be in demand, nurses will always be needed.
Answered by Dimples

As for corrections-- Where do you live? My husband is a CO in a HUGE city and he did not start out at that salary, no where near it. You better make sure that is not including overtime, although overtime will be mandatory. And in no way is being a CO a piece of cake. It is a highly stressful job that requires nights, weekends, overtime, holidays. Yes, nursing is the same, but you will have a better chance in getting better hours down the road with nursing. Being a C/0 is a 24/7 job, unless many years down the road you get one of the few daytime only positions. Until then, it is going to be hard on your son with all the hours you work/the shifts. Also, in my husband's place, they can change your shift any time without notice. You may be on days, then find yourself on nights. If you go for the CO job, make sure you find out what all is involved. My husband works VERY hard everyday. He had to go through a 3 month intense training which paid a small salary, but before that it was a 6 month interview process. Once you take the test here, it could be over a year until you start. I know it could be vastly different in your state, but please get the information before you decide to do this.
Answered by gettingby