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The Unique Role of the Correctional Nurse and Their Utility
You may hear about nurses working in the correctional field, but have you ever wondered what exactly the role of a correctional nurse is? You may be surprised!
Correctional nursing does not receive the attention that it deserves, and, in most cases, it is poorly funded. Â
- Are you interested in taking on a new role?
NCC News & Content Team
You may hear about nurses working in the correctional field, but have you ever wondered what exactly the role of a correctional nurse is? You may be surprised! Â
Correctional nursing does not receive the attention that it deserves, and, in most cases, it is poorly funded. Â
However, it is a specialty that plays a key role in public health. Â
From a first-hand account, it is evident that the role of a correctional nurse can vary immensely from a nursing job within a healthcare facility. Â
The Basics
In most cases, a correctional nurse will possess either an NP or RN license; however, in some instances, an LPN may also have the opportunity to work on the facility’s premises. Â
Much like a hospital, anything can happen in prison or halfway home setting that a correctional nurse must be prepared for. Possessing critical thinking skills and an ability to adapt to fast-paced environments is a must. Â
On top of this, you might be one of just a few other nurses on staff, so you may have to take on managerial tasks such as keeping inventory of available medical supplies. Â
You must also be able to work quickly and utilize the limited resources that you may have. Remember, real medical emergencies still happen in a prison or correctional facility, and you do not have a massive supply room to assist you there.Â
What Should You Expect?
Nurse author, educator, and former correctional officer, Lorry Schoenly, PhD, RN, CCHP-RN, tells Nurse.org that there are five things she wishes she had known about the role before she began, these are:Â Â
- Ignore the stereotypes, it is safer than you would think.Â
- The patients are appreciative, as many have not had consistent access to healthcare services prior to incarceration.Â
- You will be exposed to uncommon conditions (tuberculosis, leprosy, botulism, etc.).Â
- In some cases, negotiating with administrators and officers is the only way to further a patient’s treatment.Â
- Practice self-care to avoid compassion fatigue. Â
From a first-hand account, it is evident that the role of a correctional nurse can vary immensely from a nursing job within a healthcare facility. Â
I can imagine you don’t take your accessibility to equipment, medications, and backup for granted once you’re inside a correctional facility’s walls.Â
What Care Does a Correctional Nurse Provide?
There is usually a medical center inside a facility – this can be a small exam room to numerous clinical spaces.Â
The correctional nurse’s role in the clinic is one of managing the patient load, similar to an outpatient clinic in the community. Â
But it isn’t always basic clinical care that a nurse is responsible for. Emergencies happen too, and more often than you think in the correctional setting.Â
Think of a correctional nurse as a slightly more qualified EMT.Â
How Do You Get Involved?
There are several ways that you can get involved in a correctional healthcare career!Â
Whether you gained experience during a clinical rotation or have always had a passion for going into this field of nursing, the role of a correctional nurse revolves around making positive impacts in people’s lives.Â
Of course, your first step is to attend nursing school and obtain your BSN, as well as passing the NCLEX-RN examination. Â
Following, you will want to gain experience in public health, whether that is directly in a correctional facility or halfway home environment. Â
The pay isn’t so bad either. Â
According to Zip Recruiter, the national average pay for a correctional nurse is $73,017 per year. Â
I hope the explanation of the role of a correctional nurse helps to aid your curiosities. Â
Are you thinking about a career in a correctional nursing role?Â
You should try it out. You may love it! Â
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