If you work in a correctional facility, it is vitally important that you can appropriately recognize, assess and implement interventions for Alcohol Withdrawal Syndrome (AWS). It is the most dangerous type of substance withdrawal and the most prevalent. According to Criminal Justice DrugFacts, from the National Institute on Drug Abuse, 85% of all incarcerated persons could be classified as having a…
Read More
Correctional Nurse Professional Practice: The Seven Guiding Principles II
In this post, we continue our discussion of the Seven Guiding Principles for Correctional Nursing practice. Principle 5 Principle 5: A strong link exists between the professional work environment and the correctional nurse’s ability to provide quality care and achieve optimal outcomes. Correctional nurses know that their practice obligations do not change or diminish because of the environment in which they…
Read More
Correctional Nurse Clinical Practice Update: Benzodiazepine Withdrawal
Benzodiazepines have a calming effect and are often taken to reduce anxiety or to help sleep. The correctional patient population is less likely to frequent the health care system for these conditions and may obtain relief by self-medicating using street drugs. Asking questions about treatments used for anxiety or insomnia may reveal a need for benzodiazepine withdrawal monitoring.