Interview with Correctional Nurse Rick Rosas

Rick Rosas, RN, BSN, NI worked in many different inpatient departments before becoming a correctional nurse. In this interview he shares his nursing journey and discusses what nursing in the correctional setting entails. He emphasizes the importance of communication and collaboration to keep patients and staff happy and safe. Rick is also a yoga teacher and highlights how it helps him achieve work-life balance. Check out his story here!

[@Redmaile25]

I'm looking to going into prison nursing. I am nervous as heck, but it looks like the path I'm going to. Anyway, I'm so thankful for this video because I ask around what's prison work is like, but no one's answer is satisfactory. No KZbin video was satisfactory, but this, Rick Rosas, said it beautifully. I feel a lot better and I have more clarity on the subject. Thank you for this video. at 50:38 is the best advice ever...

[@NursingSchoolExplained]

So glad you found the video helpful! Rick is awesome!

[@Idiocracy_101]

He has a great attitude and demeanor for this field. Great interview

[@NursingSchoolExplained]

Rick is one of the best nurses I ever worked with! Thanks for watching!

[@rico300zx]

Recognition is the best I always love it when somebody says thank you I remember you help me or You helped my family

[@karenillan7251]

Thank you so much to both of you for this insight not only into the career of Nursing but the life of a nurse as well. As a soon to be new grad nurse, this makes me be at ease. I've been feeling like I need to have my life and speciality together by the time I apply and get a job offer. Thank you again

[@NursingSchoolExplained]

You're very welcome! Glad to help!

[@autumnwinds8636]

Thank you for this great interview. I learned so much. 😊

[@NursingSchoolExplained]

So glad you found the video informative!

[@rico300zx]

I never felt afraid or at risk it was just the amount of work and charting that was expected

[@caligurl8770]

Love these videos

[@NursingSchoolExplained]

Glad you enjoy them! What area do you work in or are planning to work in?

[@CASTAHIPHOP]

Oh my, just when I wanted to do correctional nursing as a new grad : (

[@NursingSchoolExplained]

Hi Casta, while Rick is not advocating for new grads to work in correctional nursing, every situation is different and depend on the individual and their previous background. Both Rick and I started our nursing career in the ER as new grads. We had experience working as ER techs prior to graduating. While it wasn't easy and we worked in a very fast-paced ER, we both enjoyed our first jobs and learned A LOT from it. So don't be discouraged, weigh the pros and cons and determine what works for you! Good luck on your journey!

[@shanezwack187]

Very interesting video. So many aspects of nursing covered. Thank you. I'm about to start my new position as RN at state correctional facility (prison). Any tips you can offer?

[@NursingSchoolExplained]

Hi Shane! Congratulations on your new job! I am not sure if you are a new graduate or have previous experience but there are a few things that apply to all new nurisng jobs, whether you are a new grad or not: 1. Ask questions, no matter how long you've been on the job. Noone has all the answers. 2. Be a team player. Help others when they need help and they will return the favor when you're in need. 3. Be yourself and let your personality shine. 4. Find work-life balance. This is especially important in a high-risk and high-stress environement like correctional nursing. Find out what helps you relax and unwind. Typically, a combination of physical activity you enjoy and some sort of mindfulness work well. Hope this helps & good luck on your journey!

[@shanezwack187]

@@NursingSchoolExplained great tips. Thank you. I've been an LPN for 10 years, Rehab 8years, med surg 2 yrs. RN for 20yrs, ICU x2yr, remote homecare x1yr, rehab per diem. And lastly Telenurse advice/triage via phone x 15years. So my acute skills are a bit behind.

[@NursingSchoolExplained]

That's quite the resume! Congratulations on your new job and have fun learning about this new area of nursing!

[@richy8100]

Tip …. Treat all patients as human beings that need help…. That population is naive to medical help…. Tip 2…. Never look at their crimes. I help not to judge the patients…. We all have our personal beliefs but once you are put in a situation and know the crimes some have committed…. It changes things

[@sarahchandler695]

I'm not sure where the guest correctional nurse is working, but right now at least for me, applying with the state for correctional prison nursing is not easy at all. The vetting, onboarding and several layers of DOJ and gate clearance has been laborious and weeks on end. This is for California Dept of Corrections. Perhaps different states have a different or better process for hire.

[@NursingSchoolExplained]

Hi Sarah, sounds tedious but, as with any government work, there are always extra hoops to jump through. Congratulations and good luck in your new endeavor! 😀

[@2929Royality]

I work for a local municipal in CA, local government and it took me 1 year and 4 months to get in and I scored an 86. Patience is a virtue!

[@derekpersky8178]

Hey I’m a new grad lpn. Would I be hired for travel contract? Am I allowed to smoke cigarettes on breaks also? Is there a social place where you can go outside?! Thanks

[@richy8100]

Travel contract yes it’s available with an agency synced with CDCR. Smoking is not allowed on grounds and we work eight hours with 2…15 min breaks. Small break rooms are set up on each area…

[@adrian3747_]

i’ve been a psych nurse for couple of years now and i’m jealous of my new grads coworker who got a job in prison :(

[@NursingSchoolExplained]

That's the beauty about nursing: there are many different areas you can work in and it's never too late to look for something different. Your psych background would serve you well in correctional nursing! Good luck to you!

[@rico300zx]

Really The connection is not in the emergency room that's right they don't remember you there Connection is in the emergency room when your life was saved The rest is all public relations I'm dealing with the family If that's what's your into as a nurse

[@rico300zx]

You went from all that to work in a jail , really ???? It must have been all about the bennys

[@richy8100]

Depends on what you referring to as bennys…. The pay is good but you can get similar and better paying jobs outside the prison system (different than jail) one of the last pension plans available…. Yes great benefit. Working 8 hour days 5 days a week…. Maybe not the best situation but for a family man who needs a schedule that works with kids school schedule…. Yes. More weekends off and holidays yes… more time with my family…. Yes… time for my business… yes. Allows for single income living keeping my spouse at home to guide our kinds with our beliefs and morals…. Yes. So those are my bennys… but we all have different reasons to change our careers or the path we take.

[@huntfishrn4201]

And if you ever work in a hospital and take all the abuse then transition to correctional nursing like Rick and myself, yea you will know the benefits. It's not even close, correctional nursing is the best job in nursing, my opinion. I hate I spent all those years NOT doing corrections. Also, by far the most appreciative 'patients' in Healthcare. Max 3 Head Nurse.