If you have heard me present, you know that I believe Intake Screening is one of the most important nursing interventions we do as Correctional Nurses. Few clinical encounters are as high-risk, or as important, as the initial intake assessment (“Receiving Screening”). The first 24 hours of incarceration is a critical window where medical, psychiatric, and substance-related crises often emerge. As correctional…
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The Power of Communication in Correctional Nursing
In correctional healthcare, communication isn’t just important—it’s essential. As correctional nurses, we work in a complex, highly structured environment where we are often the first—and sometimes only—healthcare professional with whom patients interact. Our ability to communicate clearly, effectively, and compassionately has a direct impact on patient outcomes, safety, and the therapeutic relationship we build with those in our care. Why…
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Correctional Nurse Professional Practice Update: The New ANA Code of Ethics Provision 5
We have begun our review of the new 2025 Code of Ethics for Nurses published by the American Nurses Association with a review of Provision 1, 2, 3 and 4. In this post, we will discuss Provision 5. The nurse has moral duties to self as a person of inherent dignity and worth, including an expectation of a safe place…
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