Two terms which guide correctional healthcare emerged from case law surrounding the Estelle v GambleSupreme Court ruling. The ruling cited a "deliberate indifference to serious medical need" as a breach of the 8th Amendment barring cruel and unusual punishment. These terms have guided correctional ... Read More about Legal History of Correctional Nursing – Part II
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Legal History of Correctional Nursing – Part I
Where were you in November, 1976? Maybe not even born yet...but probably not thinking about healthcare in prisons and jails. However, November, 1976 could be deemed the official start of the Legal History of Correctional Nursing. This is the date of the landmark Estelle v GambleSupreme Court ... Read More about Legal History of Correctional Nursing – Part I
What’s in a Name – Correctional or Forensic Nursing?
The specialty practice of correctional nursing has been confused with the practice of forensic nursing, due in part to the overlapping community of patients. What's in a Name - Correctional or Forensic Nursing? This post differentiates these areas of nursing practice. The confusion of terms could ... Read More about What’s in a Name – Correctional or Forensic Nursing?
Jails, Prisons – What’s the diff?
If you don't work in corrections you might not know that there is a big difference between a jail and a prison. The type of healthcare services you provide and the patient community is varied - although there are similar components to each. Jails and Prisons Can Be VERY Different While many people ... Read More about Jails, Prisons – What’s the diff?
Should You Consider Correctional Nursing?
I have encountered many nurses who have never considered working in a jail or prison. In fact, very few nurses decide on a nursing career with the thought "I want to be a jail nurse". This patient community is fairly invisible to healthcare professionals. Should You Consider Correctional Nursing? ... Read More about Should You Consider Correctional Nursing?