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 Communication Matters in Corrections
Unlike traditional healthcare settings, correctional environments come with unique barriers to communication. Locked doors, custody staff presence, mistrust from patients, and strict schedules can all interfere with how we gather information and deliver care. Despite these challenges, strong communication remains the foundation of effective nursing practice.
Clear communication helps us obtain accurate health histories, assess patient needs, explain procedures, and coordinate care with providers and custody staff. Incomplete or misunderstood information can lead to delays in treatment, medication errors, or missed warning signs—outcomes that can be dangerous, especially in a setting where many patients have complex medical, mental health, and substance use conditions.
Nurse-to-Patient Communication
For many incarcerated individuals, the nurse may be their first consistent healthcare provider in years. Building trust through respectful, trauma-informed communication is critical. Listening without judgment, using plain language, and showing empathy can encourage patients to open up about symptoms, medications, or mental health concerns they might otherwise hide.
Nonverbal cues—eye contact, body posture, tone—matter just as much. Even when we’re busy, pausing to make a patient feel seen and heard can make a difference in how they engage in their own care.
Interprofessional Communication
Correctional nurses also serve as a bridge between patients, providers, and custody staff. Timely, accurate documentation and verbal reports ensure continuity of care. Communicating changes in patient condition, sharing concerns about safety, and advocating for urgent needs are all part of the nurse’s role.
It is equally important to maintain professionalism and clarity when speaking with custody staff. While we have different responsibilities, nurses and officers must work together to maintain a safe environment. Establishing respectful, collaborative relationships with correctional officers improves access to patients and facilitates emergency response when needed.
Improving Communication Skills
Strong communication is a skill, not just a personality trait. It can be developed through practice, feedback, and ongoing education. Participating in communication training, using structured tools like SBAR (Situation, Background, Assessment, Recommendation), and debriefing after critical incidents can enhance your effectiveness and confidence.
Conclusion
Effective communication in correctional nursing is more than just exchanging information—it’s about building trust, ensuring safety, and delivering quality care in a challenging environment. Whether we’re educating a patient, advocating with a provider, or updating custody on a healthcare concern, how we communicate directly affects the health and well-being of the incarcerated persons in our facility. By refining our communication skills, we strengthen our role and effectiveness as caregivers, patient advocates and essential members of the correctional healthcare team.