Interview with Chris McMahon, RN, BSN
Misguided assumptions about the correctional healthcare environment prevents many clinicians from pursuing the job opportunities that are there. While not the right work environment for every clinician, the correctional healthcare setting can provide a rich and rewarding career for those nurses that are willing to put their preconceived notions to the test. To help combat some of the natural biases that surround the correctional healthcare vocation, we interviewed Chris McMahon, RN, BSN. As an experienced correctional nurse, Chris provides insight into what a typical day looks like in correctional healthcare, the type of care that correctional nurses are generally responsible for and what it takes to succeed in this non-traditional healthcare field.
1. What initially attracted you to a career in nursing?
While I was pursuing my bachelor’s degree at the University of Wisconsin-Parkside, I knew that I wanted to end up in a career where I would have the opportunity to help and care for other people. At the time, I didn’t know that nursing would be the place where I would land. As I was trying to decide on a major that was right for me, I took a very general class about nursing. From there, I was hooked. I had so many amazing teachers along the way that encouraged me. Their enthusiasm for the profession was contagious. I’ve never regretted my choice to become a nurse.
For healthcare professionals in the modern medical environment, finding the right position can be a challenging undertaking. Traditional healthcare jobs tend to offer little upward mobility and are often accompanied by excessive workloads, easily damaging employee morale and limiting earning potential. However, for a growing number of medical professionals, the opportunities available through a healthcare staffing agency are providing the chance to earn a competitive income in their chosen field while maintaining a healthy work-life balance. If you have ever wondered why some medical professionals choose to work exclusively for healthcare staffing agencies, keep reading to learn about the five key benefits those clinicians are experiencing.
A travel nursing career offer unique challenges and real advantages for professionals interested in pursuing this type of work. As the name suggests, travel nurses take on temporary nursing assignments in hospitals, clinics and other healthcare facilities across the country. They go where the jobs are and can enjoy exceptional benefits and salaries while doing the most good for patients in need.
