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….
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Correctional Nurse Clinical Update: Sharps Safety
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…
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Correctional Nurse Clinical Update: Post Pepper Spray Care
Pepper spray is a popular option to subdue violent incarcerated persons when other de-escalation methods fail. It is preferred over options of lethal force in most correctional settings. A call just came in from cell block D. They are enroute with an inmate for evaluation after being subdued with several applications of pepper spray following an aggressive incident. Two officers also…
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