Feeling helpless

One of the worst feelings as a nurse is feelings helpless. Almost as bad as helping those you unfortunately don't feel deserve help.
Today, I felt so helpless. In the jail we often have vulnerable adults come in. Men and women who have no comprehension of why they are there. Our job is to help them while they are in our care. Many don't understand why they can't just leave. I hate that I can't actually help them. I can give them meds and help keep them safe in jail. But what about when they get out? There is often no place for them to go. There are just not enough beds, not enough resources. It breaks my heart to see grown children come to jail again and again because we as a society have failed them. But, the gang banger who comes in is on medical assistance, wellfare, and housing assistance. Meaning his drug deal money can go for more drugs, gold teeth, and Bling-bling. All this while I work over time to pay my bills and my tax dollars can't even help those in need. There is so much to this subject. Working in a jail has opened my eyes and made me so sad at times.