Christina is a casual Licensed Practical Nurse at the correctional centre. She works full-time at Bobby’s Hospice. That’s not to say she doesn’t spend her fair share of time in jail— as a nurse that is. Christina is an employee that rarely says “no”. When you call her she makes it work. As someone who manages a schedule I promise you that quality is an asset. Christina is compassionate (as post palliative care nursing are), funny and constantly looking for ways to make our work area better– more cohesive. We are lucky to have her as part of our team.
Fun fact about Christina: She used to be a correctional officer!!
ISO 100 35mm f/2.8 1/100secs Day 10 “scarf”
Christina was kind enough to answer some questions for me today.
What was the biggest challenge transitioning from correctional officer to correctional nurse? “The biggest thing to remember is that I was to have assistance seeing clients each time. Due to the fact a nurse should be always with an officer when interview or seeing a client.”
What is the best advised to give to nurses that are coming into the corrections world? “The best advised for me is to be fair to everyone you speak to. If you tell someone you are going to do something, be it a client or officer, follow through with it. If you cannot do it still communicate it. That will give both the officer and the client a better day. It makes the day not as stressful for everyone. Also if you leave a room a door is locked behind you no matter what.”
How does your full time job at Bobby’s Hospice contribute to your Correction nursing job, or does it? “Working at Bobby’s makes me feel like I have made a difference in people’s lives, it makes me a more compassionate person, understand and willing to take a moment to understand everyone has something going on in their lives. When I come to the jail it makes me reflect that everyone has hardships no matter where they are it just manifest in different ways. I try to remain compassionate on each situation. Everyone needs an opportunity to have an opportunity to be heard.”
How do you cope with working two jobs? It seems like you work everyday.
“I have great team support so debriefing is important no matter what. I do enjoy going on vacation a few times a year. As well as I have a strong team of women I can lean on mentally and physically I have the gym, JFT and yoga for mind body and soul! To step away and regroup.. Love my Jobs and the People I have the honour to work with. They make me feel safe and confident.”
I would like to thank Christina for taking the time to chat with me on her break.
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