Orders communicated verbally are common in all clinical settings with estimates as high as 20% of all inpatient ordering. Do you use verbal orders in your correctional facility? I’m confident that you do…..and probably more frequently than traditional settings, as prescribers are often less accessible in our secure environment. A Verbal Order (VO) has the following characteristics: communicated orally by…
Read More
Serious mental illness affects at least one in four incarcerated individuals in the US according to a 2015 study by the Urban Institute. More than half of our patients have symptoms of a mental disorder. Correctional nurses, then, are mental health nurses in most settings. Here are just a few examples of situations that can require a psychiatric nursing assessment….
Read More
I consult with jails and prisons across the country regarding healthcare programs, Correctional Nursing practice, and patient and staff safety. Sharps safety is one area that continues to be a concern. We all know what we need to do, but don’t always do it. Sharp Safety in Corrections Personal safety is a significant concern in the corrections environment. Correctional nurses…
Read More