News that there are big issues with MRSA (methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus) in some Illinois prisons got me thinking about how observant correctional nurses can have a great impact on reducing the incidence and spread of this deadly infection in inmate community, thereby protecting custody staff, as well. I am not familiar with the healthcare staffing patterns in IL Prisons, however, many facilities…
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Nursing Care During a Prison Riot
The recent prison riot in Chino, CA brings to mind the need for a well prepared nursing staff to handle mass casualties. According to reliable reports, 250 inmates were injured, 55 seriously. How is nursing care during a prison riot? Nursing Care During a Prison Riot What is the role of the correctional nurse in a riot? Correctional healthcare staff…
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Legal History of Correctional Nursing – Part II
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 healthcare and the practice of correctional nursing. Once again, I refer heavily to William J. Rold’s…
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