ATTRIBUTES NECESSARY FOR EFFECTIVE PATIENT ADVOCACY Last month we began our Patient Advocacy in the Correctional Environment series by discussing what is patient advocacy, and how can we, as correctional nurses, be advocates for our patients in our practice environment. This month, we will look at the attributes necessary for effective patient advocacy in any healthcare setting, but especially in…
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Abdominal pain is perhaps one of the most frequent complaints listed on a Health Service Request Form in the correctional environment. Changes to routine and diet, stress, and the “unmasking” of symptoms as patients become “detoxed” from substances like alcohol and drugs may contribute to complaints of abdominal problems. It is important that the correctional nurse understand the pathophysiology of the abdomen,…
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Taser/Electronic Control Weapons (ECW) injury often happens in jails, prisons, and in the community when individuals are being apprehended, and the correctional nurse often must address its physical and emotional effects. Here is the truth about Taser/ECW injury. Joyce is working at the local county jail on Friday night when a man-down code is called for the booking area. She…
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