There was so much to learn when I started this venture of becoming a Correctional Nurse 11 years ago. Aside from our policies and protocols, it also required learning about inmates’ behaviors. The colors of clothing they wore typically identified the severity of the crimes they had committed. It took a long time before I got so familiar with the meaning of the incarcerated individuals’ colored clothing.
I’m always cautious when dealing with those “Red Suiters” we called them. They are usually known for trying to escape at any opportunity they could find, sometimes with the intention to be successful at any cost including harming staff.
“Green” is more a protection for those who committed sexual abuse against others or for those who held positions outside like lawyers, law enforcement officers or perhaps, well-known by others who are potential targets by any predators lurking in the prison, ready to pounce on their target for intention to hurt and even to kill.
“Gold uniforms” are given to those who have history of mental health problems. Not only they are beneficial to themselves but to staff as well, since dealing with them will require a different mode of communication.
“Blue” uniforms are for those who work in and out the prison walls. Some are found cleaning the floors. Some out in the yard, keeping the lawns well-manicured, the bushes well-trimmed and other troubles that need repairs. Some are in the kitchen, alternating shifts, learning to get orders and serve. Some are out in the laundry, washing the uniforms inmates wear. The skills they learn are to their advantage if they want to look at them that way so they have something to use to keep them productive when they get released.
And us, as medical providers are required to always wear a white lab coat. That sets us apart from the uniformed deputies all over the place.
Properly identifying the crimes and knowing the felons’ backgrounds help in classifying the inmates on who to put together which prevents any potential fights and riots.
I’m sure it takes a lot of knowledge for the deputies who work in Classification to do that, all for the sake of peace and quiet during times of incarceration.
As Christians, we are also required to put on a special clothing.
Love…
For God is love…
Lord, search the closet of my heart and remove any clothing that does not please you. Please fill and cover my heart with the garment of love that comes from You: sacrificial, powerful, pure, proven, protective, always ready to forgive others, unconditional and limitless. In Jesus’ Name. Amen.
“Above all, clothe yourselves with love, which binds us all together in perfect harmony.”
- Colossians 3:14 (NLT)
Hey girl,
ReplyDeleteHaven't talked to you in awhile - this is my third comment attempt. I keep getting an error message - the devil must REALLY not want me to send this lol! :)
I have been in seclusion lately - ever since finishing nursing school and after taking the NCLEX and getting my license, I just needed to hide under a rock for a bit to recuperate.
I put my computer away - and picked up a book - or two, or three :) I now feel well rested, and ready to take on whatever the Lord gives me to do. This nursing calling is not for the faint of heart! I had no idea it would take so much out of me!
I have a classmate who has just taken a job as a correctional nurse. I am so proud of her and I know that she will be awesome at it! She has a HUGE heart and I know that she will be a blessing for those she is called to serve. I have given her a link to your blog for encouragement. I know that she will be blessed by your words and will be encouraged by your strength. I often think of you - even though I don't often post - you have been such an inspiration to me and I am sure you have been an inspiration to others - in the workplace, as well as through your blog. It is evident that the Lord uses you mightily dear friend and that you are faithful to His call on your life!
I wanted to share this with you so that you would know how your words affect those you serve and that you will be encouraged to continue doing His work! You never know WHO is reading your blog, and who NEEDS to read - the words that the Lord has given you to write.
I recently missed an opportunity through my silence (due to my sabbatical) to reach out to a young woman who was crying out for guidance in her life. She had found my blog through a post I had written about God's silence through prayer. I felt TERRIBLE that I was unable to catch her words sooner- she was obviously crying out for someone to hear her and I was so physically and emotionally drained at the time- that I missed a valuable opportunity - I hadn't opened or read my blog for weeks due to my mental exhaustion and totally missed reading her post. I felt so bad!!
I have decided to use my blog again regularly - because God obviously uses me even though I had no idea - and I need to be faithful - as you have been, to His calling on my life - in EVERY way - not just through the ways that I can see with MY finite eyes! Thank you for being an example to me - I hope my words bring you love and comfort from this friend!
Big hugs,
Kymber
great analogy.....wishing you a great day out there....clothed in His grace....
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