Professionalism is the foundation of safe, ethical, and effective nursing practice. In correctional healthcare, it takes on an even greater significance. Behind the wall, nurses face unique challenges: balancing custody and care, working within rigid security protocols, and caring for patients who ... Read More about Professionalism Behind the Wall: Why It Matters in Correctional Nursing

Last week we explored the high prevalence and underdiagnosis of ADHD among incarcerated individuals. As correctional nurses, we frequently interact with patients whose behaviors—impulsivity, restlessness, difficulty with authority—are often misunderstood. When these behaviors stem from untreated ... Read More about Correctional Nurse Clinical Update: Practical Strategies for Managing ADHD in Correctional Settings

At intake, you may encounter a patient who seems impatient, fidgety, or easily distracted. They may interrupt, lose track of questions, or appear agitated without an obvious trigger. These behaviors are often attributed to anxiety, substance use, or defiance, but they could also be symptoms of ... Read More about Correctional Nurse Clinical Update: ADHD in Corrections

This post is in response to a request by a nurse manager whose staff had recently dealt with a successful suicide onsite. She asked if I could suggest strategies she could share with her staff, who were very much affected by what happened. In correctional healthcare, we work with individuals who ... Read More about Correctional Nurse Practice Update: Coping and Moving Forward When a Patient Dies by Suicide

A 63-year-old man is screened during booking. The intake nurse notes a blood pressure of 180/98. The man reports he is prescribed Lisinopril 40mg daily, though he hasn’t taken it that day. After verifying the prescription with his community pharmacy, the nurse obtains a continuation order and ... Read More about Correctional Nurse Clinical Update: Understanding the Compliance Trap in Correctional Medicine Administration