When I first began in correctional healthcare, I really did not give any thought to the skills that I might need in that environment that I may not have used for a very long time, like administering a respiratory treatment and even turning on an oxygen tank! Thankfully, the orientation that I went ... Read More about Top Ten Skills for Correctional Nurses, Part 1
The Correctional Nurse
Bullying and Incivility for the Correctional Nurse I
While bullying and incivility can occur anywhere, the stressful nature of the healthcare environment and the human self-protective “fight or flight” response are important in the development of bullying and incivility in nursing. This is the first in a two-part series on Bullying and Incivility for ... Read More about Bullying and Incivility for the Correctional Nurse I
Correctional Nurse Professional Update: Saying “No” to Patient Requests
As nurses, we want to provide quality and appropriate health care to our patients. In the correctional environment, we understand that our patients can't just decide to go to another practice or bring themselves to the urgent care or emergency department for their symptoms, and so it is even more ... Read More about Correctional Nurse Professional Update: Saying “No” to Patient Requests
Correctional Nursing Alert: Ectopic Pregnancy
A young woman in custody at a large urban jail had continuing abdominal pain over a 14 hour period. She was found unresponsive in her cell and rushed to the hospital where she was pronounced dead on arrival. Autopsy revealed a ruptured ectopic pregnancy. What assessments and testing ... Read More about Correctional Nursing Alert: Ectopic Pregnancy
Ibuprofen and NSAIDs: Risks and Benefits
Typically, our nursing guidelines/protocols include ibuprofen for sprains and strains, and nursing staff should follow the protocols of their agency. However, nursing staff should also be aware that the use of NSAIDs in the treatment of muscle injuries is somewhat controversial. The mechanism ... Read More about Ibuprofen and NSAIDs: Risks and Benefits