Infective endocarditis is an infection of the lining of the heart (endocardium) and often involves the valves of the heart as well as any areas with abnormal connections between the chambers of the heart or its blood vessels. It occurs when bacteria in the bloodstream clump on previously injured heart valves. Risk factors for endocarditis include injection drug use; compromised immune system;…
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Correctional Nurse Professional Practice Update: Impaired Nurses in Corrections
One in ten doctors and NURSES abuse drugs or alcohol. Is this surprising to you? It was to me when I first read it. Although this number (10-15%) is equivalent to abuse rates in the general public, those of us in healthcare have a special responsibility to be able to think and act clearly as we are responsible for providing…
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Correctional Nurse Practice Update: Four Ways to Build a Trust Relationship with Incarcerated Patients
Correctional nurses must quickly develop a trust relationship with their patients in order to collect accurate data and effectively evaluate symptoms and requests. Yet, many incarcerated persons distrust almost everyone. They may have spent their lives using deceit and coercion to order their world, and so assume others do the same thing. As staff in a correctional facility, nurses are…
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