Tell me it gets better.

Frontline · 11-19-2008, 02:19 AM

Hey guys,

I've been online for about two weeks now, and I still feel pretty lost out there. I am cool with the offenders and they are cool with me, but there is so much to know and different tasks to learn. I am enjoying it, but at the same time I go to work feeling nervous every day, and that is a feeling that I do not like. I know the sergeant's are "feeling the new guys out," but it would be nice if they were more talkative with us new guys and helped ease our pressure. Maybe that's asking too much? I don't know, but I feel like this WILL be my career, but right now I definitely have a lot of anxiety.

How long did it take before you felt like you were "getting it" and made a good career choice?

coloradosgt79 · 11-19-2008, 03:28 AM

It's good that your feeling nervous.The senior officers won't talk to you much unless it's about work.About half of the new officers quit quickly so the senior staff don't want to waste their breath getting to know you yet.Just roll with the punches and prove yourself.Focus more on your job than on staff.Trust me the staff will give you more problems than the inmates.Focus on the task at hand and always remember where you are.

Frontline · 11-19-2008, 04:35 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by coloradosgt79

It's good that your feeling nervous.The senior officers won't talk to you much unless it's about work.About half of the new officers quit quickly so the senior staff don't want to waste their breath getting to know you yet.Just roll with the punches and prove yourself.Focus more on your job than on staff.Trust me the staff will give you more problems than the inmates.Focus on the task at hand and always remember where you are.

That's some good advice. Thank you. I do feel comfortable at times, but the nervous feeling is just wanting to do my best. As I said before, the inmates are cool and only a couple have tried testing me. With the senior staff, I do realize that they will wait to see how a new officer carries himself, but to me there is also a fine line in being a hard ass and making yourself seem unapproachable like some do. I have had questions that I was afraid to ask because I don't like being looked at like I'm an idiot when I ask a pertinent question that was never explained to me. I sound like I'm complaining but I'm truly not, I only say these things to help myself out in my new career.

I am excited to say the least, but damn nervous as well. It's a cool feeling and it's also an uneasy one, but I am in it for the long haul.

all4114all · 11-19-2008, 05:32 AM

I can tell you taht you have been tested by inmates a whole lot more than "a couple times." They are testing you every time they talk to you. As I told my new class this week, don't just answer whatever question they are asking you, think about the motive behind the interaction.

For instance, is he asking for something/telling you something just to distract you? #1 mistake when talking to an offender is to focus only on him. DON'T BE NICE!!!! Constantly scan your surroundings, EVEN DURING CONVERSATIONS!

I had a coworker tell me in my old position that I was predictable. lol When I would make a copy, I would start the copier then scan the room behind me and the area outside the door. Maybe I was predictable but I also knew who was where. THAT is what you need to do. KNOW WHO IS WHERE.

Gosh, I could go on and on! lol

BlackJack · 11-19-2008, 09:14 AM

I'm not that far ahead of you & I feel the same way at times, but mostly in roll call. I have no idea where I'm going to work and there are areas that I have no clue on what to do or how to get there! I've been fortunate enough to consistently have worked in the same cell house with a good group of people. I have one sgt. that talks & jokes with me all the time, and another one that doesn't talk that much period. I've worked with about 4 different Lt.'s; three of them know my name and like me, and one has nothing but criticism and makes me feel nervous. As long as you're doing your job and showing that you're willing to learn, then you'll be fine. At least that's what my observation is.

HapkidoKa · 11-19-2008, 05:43 PM

Just give it time.

Craven Moorehead · 11-19-2008, 05:52 PM

Pressure makes diamonds!

Hang in there! Stay positive! It WILL get easier!

BOP5150 · 11-19-2008, 07:56 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Frontline

That's some good advice. Thank you. I do feel comfortable at times, but the nervous feeling is just wanting to do my best. As I said before, the inmates are cool and only a couple have tried testing me. With the senior staff, I do realize that they will wait to see how a new officer carries himself, but to me there is also a fine line in being a hard ass and making yourself seem unapproachable like some do. I have had questions that I was afraid to ask because I don't like being looked at like I'm an idiot when I ask a pertinent question that was never explained to me. I sound like I'm complaining but I'm truly not, I only say these things to help myself out in my new career.

I am excited to say the least, but damn nervous as well. It's a cool feeling and it's also an uneasy one, but I am in it for the long haul.

Don't be afraid to ask questions if you are not sure of how to do something. Even if they look at you funny. We are always learning and no one knows it all. NO ONE!
Hang in there!

Gunns · 11-20-2008, 12:15 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Frontline

Hey guys,

I've been online for about two weeks now, and I still feel pretty lost out there. I am cool with the offenders and they are cool with me, but there is so much to know and different tasks to learn. I am enjoying it, but at the same time I go to work feeling nervous every day, and that is a feeling that I do not like. I know the sergeant's are "feeling the new guys out," but it would be nice if they were more talkative with us new guys and helped ease our pressure. Maybe that's asking too much? I don't know, but I feel like this WILL be my career, but right now I definitely have a lot of anxiety.

How long did it take before you felt like you were "getting it" and made a good career choice?

You have a problem when you stop feeling nervous everyday.
I felt like I was getting it in a couple of months..
I still don't like most people i work with.LOL

R12GOMEZ · 11-20-2008, 12:32 AM

Hey man im in the same position as you there are things at work that i don't know, Im still a Rookie been on the job 4 months it's a learning experience everyday lets just keep working hard one day at a time........