A newly admitted incarcerated person is being monitored for opioid withdrawal. Over the past two days, the COWS scores have steadily improved. The sweating has decreased. The tremors are less noticeable. Vital signs are stabilizing, and the patient reports feeling “a little better.” Then, during your next assessment, the patient tells you, “My stomach really hurts.” It would be easy…
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One day, I was talking with a few nurse friends about nursing school, and we all found ourselves saying the same thing: “I wish someone had told me that!” We realized that while nursing education gives us an essential foundation, many of the most valuable lessons come later—through experience, thoughtful mentors, and caring for real patients. That conversation inspired this monthly series….
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Communication is a major component of correctional nursing practice. Thoughtful, intentional communication strengthens the therapeutic relationship and supports safe, effective patient care. At the same time, communication is complex. Even well-intentioned responses can sometimes lead to misunderstanding or mistrust if they are not aligned with the patient’s needs in the moment. Building more effective interactions does not require perfection. It…
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