Professionalism is the foundation of safe, ethical, and effective nursing practice. In correctional healthcare, it takes on an even greater significance. Behind the wall, nurses face unique challenges: balancing custody and care, working within rigid security protocols, and caring for patients who may mistrust healthcare providers due to past experiences. In this environment, professionalism is not optional, it is essential.

At its core, professionalism is about more than appearance or behavior. It reflects our identity as nurses. It is expressed in how we uphold integrity, maintain boundaries, and advocate for our patients even when resources are scarce. Professionalism reminds us, and others, that correctional nurses are skilled clinicians, not simply “guests” in the facility.

One of the most important aspects of professionalism is resilience. Correctional nurses often work under stressful conditions, with high patient acuity and limited staffing. Professionalism does not mean suppressing the impact of these pressures; rather, it involves recognizing them and responding in ways that sustain our practice and our well-being. This may mean leaning on colleagues, reflecting on our values, or taking advantage of continuing education opportunities that remind us why our work matters.

Another hallmark of professionalism is ethical integrity. Correctional nurses frequently encounter moral distress when patient needs conflict with institutional priorities. Remaining grounded in the ANA Code of Ethics and the  Correctional Nursing: Scope and Standards of Practice helps us navigate these difficult situations. Upholding professional standards ensures that even when we cannot change the system, we continue to honor our role as patient advocates.

Finally, professionalism in correctional nursing fosters pride in our specialty. Too often, correctional healthcare is overlooked in broader nursing conversations. By embracing our professional identity, we not only strengthen our own practice but also raise the visibility of correctional nursing as a vital and meaningful specialty.

As we celebrate another anniversary of CorrectionalNurse.Net, I encourage you to reflect on what professionalism means in your practice. Where do you find pride in your role? How do you sustain your integrity in difficult moments? And perhaps most importantly, how do you demonstrate professionalism in your daily correctional nursing practice, even when the environment makes it difficult?  Correctional nursing is demanding, but it is also deeply rewarding. Professionalism is what transforms those daily challenges into a practice of which we can be proud!