If you speak with Correctional Nurses for any length of time, you will hear stories of encountering disrespect and downright disbelief from their nurse colleagues who work in more traditional health care settings. It is not uncommon to hear from other nurses “Why would you work THERE?” “Can’t you get a REAL nursing job?” “Aren’t you ruining your career?” Yes,…
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Correctional Nurse Clinical Update: Cellulitis
Skin conditions are a common concern in nursing sick call evaluations. Most are easy to assess and treat with protocols; like athlete’s foot and contact dermatitis. However, one skin condition that can be dangerous if not identified and treated appropriately is cellulitis. Unfortunately, cellulitis can mimic other conditions and is easily misdiagnosed. Here is a quick clinical overview of cellulitis…
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Correctional Nurse Clinical Update: Rheumatoid Arthritis
Osteoarthritis and Rheumatoid Arthritis are both debilitating diseases that affect millions of individuals in the United States. In the correctional environment, the latest statistics by the Bureau of Justice indicate that “Arthritis” is the third largest chronic diagnosis for jail detainees and is the second largest chronic diagnosis for individuals incarcerated in prisons. Osteoarthritis and Rheumatoid Arthritis are often thought of as the…
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