Mr. Foster had a difficult time withdrawing from heroin when he was admitted to the jail 10 days ago on a burglary charge. He was stealing to meet the demands of his 5-bag a day heroin habit. A man-down emergency was just called for his housing unit and you respond and find Mr. Foster unconscious ... Read More about Correctional Nurse Clinical Update: Unexplained Unconsciousness: Consider Drug Overdose!
The Correctional Nurse Blog
What is Correctional Nursing?
I am often asked, "what is correctional nursing (and why are you spending your time doing that)?" and I thought I would share what I usually respond here. Correctional nursing is a specialized area of nursing that involves providing healthcare services to incarcerated persons in ... Read More about What is Correctional Nursing?
Correctional Nurse Practice Update: Dental Evaluation – Is This Normal?
It is well known that FBI agents entering the counterfeit currency division spend a lot of time studying bills. At first, you might think they would study all the various ways that currency could be faked, but, instead, they first learn to be experts at the real thing. Then, it is easy to spot the ... Read More about Correctional Nurse Practice Update: Dental Evaluation – Is This Normal?
Correctional Nurse Clinical Practice Update: HIV
I remember 30+ years ago when “rumors” started about a new disease that was primarily attacking gay males and IV drug users and sex workers. A little later, it was disclosed that individuals like Ryan White and Robin Glaser contracted this new disease through blood transfusions. I remember in those ... Read More about Correctional Nurse Clinical Practice Update: HIV
Correctional Nurse Practice Update: Moral Distress in Correctional Nursing
I remember distinctly my transition from emergency nursing to correctional nursing. It was only after I was not in the emergency department for a few weeks that I realized the heavy burden of stress I had been carrying. I recognized that my stress level baseline was at a point where others would ... Read More about Correctional Nurse Practice Update: Moral Distress in Correctional Nursing