Although every nursing specialty has its challenges, correctional nursing involves complex situations that can appear simple, but aren’t. There are many unknown factors in sizing up a situation. Correctional nurses are most-often the first healthcare provider to see the patient situation. Thus, during patient triage, the nurse must make a fairly autonomous judgment on what needs to be done and…
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CLINICAL JUDGMENT: A VITAL CORRECTIONAL NURSE COMPETENCY
Joanne has been called to the booking area to medically screen a 44 year old man brought by the police on charges of driving a stolen vehicle and drinking while driving. On the way to jail he hit his head on the window of the squad car. Approaching the area she sees an obese white male, hands cuffed behind his…
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Correctional Nursing and Collaboration with Our Correctional Colleagues
I was recently asked to validate that I was a “guest” in the correctional facility, and as such, no matter what, security had the final say in nursing practice. I did not agree. The integration of healthcare and security is vitally important to the provision of healthcare in correctional facilities, but there must be policies and procedures (and common practices)…
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