*~Welcome to Prison Nursing~*
prisonrmnblog.wordpress.com
Correctional nursing can be an exciting and rewarding career choice. If you decided that correctional nursing is for you and would like to begin your career, we suggest you contact the human resource department of a prison that you would like to work for. There you can find out any positions available along with any additional requirements.
RNs providing care to prisoners require unique knowledge, skills, and expertise. Typically, an inmate’s health is poorer than the general population, as many have not had adequate access to healthcare on any other occasion (Stamler & Yiu, 2012). “The time being served therefore presents an ideal opportunity to provide access to interventions to improve the offender’s long-term heath", therefore health promotion and prevention is a key aspect of the nursing role (Perry et al., 2010, p.36).
Prison nursing can be challenging; nurses typically need additional training including strategies for interacting with offenders and the nurses' role in non-medical emergencies (e.g. lockdown). Violence against nurses is rare, however nurses must be prepared (Stevens, 2010). In addition, medical conditions are prevalent in the prison population, with clients commonly
diagnosed with psychiatric disorders, substance addiction, and infectious disease (Stamler & Yiu, 2012). Another challenge may be to keep medical supplies secure and inaccessible to inmates (Stevens, 2010).
Indeed, "the unique culture of the prison can test the 'moral and ethical working practice of clinicians'" (Ramluggun et al., 2010, p.62)
Despite these challenges, there are many rewarding aspects of prison nursing. Many prisoners desire to make positive changes in their lives; addicts may wish to quit their substances of choice and nurses can assist them to reenter the community healthier and free from substance abuse (Stevens, 2010). As well, nurses may be able to provide medical and therapeutic care for offenders who may have undiagnosed psychiatric disorders (Stevens, 2010).
Once the correctional nurse experiences the difference s/he can make in a prisoners life, the challenges become acceptable (Stevens, 2010).
RNs providing care to prisoners require unique knowledge, skills, and expertise. Typically, an inmate’s health is poorer than the general population, as many have not had adequate access to healthcare on any other occasion (Stamler & Yiu, 2012). “The time being served therefore presents an ideal opportunity to provide access to interventions to improve the offender’s long-term heath", therefore health promotion and prevention is a key aspect of the nursing role (Perry et al., 2010, p.36).
Prison nursing can be challenging; nurses typically need additional training including strategies for interacting with offenders and the nurses' role in non-medical emergencies (e.g. lockdown). Violence against nurses is rare, however nurses must be prepared (Stevens, 2010). In addition, medical conditions are prevalent in the prison population, with clients commonly
diagnosed with psychiatric disorders, substance addiction, and infectious disease (Stamler & Yiu, 2012). Another challenge may be to keep medical supplies secure and inaccessible to inmates (Stevens, 2010).
Indeed, "the unique culture of the prison can test the 'moral and ethical working practice of clinicians'" (Ramluggun et al., 2010, p.62)
Despite these challenges, there are many rewarding aspects of prison nursing. Many prisoners desire to make positive changes in their lives; addicts may wish to quit their substances of choice and nurses can assist them to reenter the community healthier and free from substance abuse (Stevens, 2010). As well, nurses may be able to provide medical and therapeutic care for offenders who may have undiagnosed psychiatric disorders (Stevens, 2010).
Once the correctional nurse experiences the difference s/he can make in a prisoners life, the challenges become acceptable (Stevens, 2010).
The goal of this website is to provide Registered Nurses, student nurses, all other healthcare professionals, and the public, with comprehensive information regarding the role of nurses in prisons, including a historical perspective of prison nursing and community and organizational resources. In addition, we provide two case studies and personal insights from a correctional nurse. Perhaps you will decide that correctional nursing is the way to go for YOU!
*Don't forget to check out our discussion questions! We would love to hear what you think*
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Bennett, C., Lapworth, T., & Perry, J. (2010). Education and career opportunities for nurses in offender health care. Nursing Standard, 24(43), 35- 39.
Bennett C., Perry, J., & Lapworth, T. (2010). Leadership skills for nurses working in the criminal justice system. Nursing Standard, 24(4), 35-40.
Bennett, C., Perry, J., Lapworth, T., Davies, J., & Preece, V. (2010). Supporting prison nurses: An action research approach to education. British Journal of
Nursing, 19(12), 782-786.
Blair, P. (2002). Correctional nursing: What's wrong with this picture? Correct Care.Retrieved from: http://www.ncchc.org/pubs/CC/legal_nursing.html
Condon, L., Harris, F., Kemple, T., & Powell, J. (2010). Nursing care of prisoners: Staff views and experiences. Journal of Advanced Nursing, 66(6), 1257-1265.
doi: 10.1111/j.1365-2648.2010.05296.x
Condon, L., Hek, G., Harris, F., Powell, J., Kemple, T., & Price, S. (2007). Users’ views of prison health services: A qualitative study. Journal of Advanced
Nursing, 58(3), 216–260.
Canadian Nurses Association. (2010).Caring in Corrections, Canadian Nurse, Retrieved from: http://www.csc-scc.gc.ca/text/hlth/cic-eng.shtml
Department of Health. (2005). Supporting People with Long Term Conditions: An NHS and Social Care Model to Support Local Innovation and Integration. The
Stationery Office, London.
Dumpel, H. (2005). Critical patient advocacy issues facing correctional RNs in California. California Nurse, 101(7), 22-27.
Dumpel, H. (2006). Critical patient advocacy issues facing correctional RNs in California, Part 2, California Nurse,102(2), 21-26.
Durcan, G. (2008). Mental health nursing in prison: A time for change in role. In Kettles, A., Woods, P., & Byres, R., Forensic Mental Health Nursing Capabilities,
Roles and Responsibilities. (pp. 291-307). London, UK: Quay Books Division.
Evans, N. (1999). Preparing nurses to work effectively in the prison Environment. British Journal of Nursing, 8(19), 1324 - 1326.
Ferszt, G. & Erickson-Owen, D.A. (2008). Development of an educational/support group for pregnant women in prison. Journal of Forensic Nursing, 4(2), 55-60.
doi: 10.1111/j.1939-3938.2008.00010.x
FitzGerald, E. (2007). Inside Job. Registered nurse: Journal of Patient Advocacy, 1-10. Retrieved from: www.calnurses.org
Hendry, C. (2008). Incarceration and the tasks of grief: A narrative review. Journal of Advanced Nursing, 65(2), 270–278.
Holmes, D., & Federman, C. (2003). Killing for the state: The darkest side of American nursing. Nursing Inquiry, 10(1), 2-10.
Jacob, J.D. & Holmes, D. (2010). Working under threat: Fear and nurse–patient interactions in a forensic psychiatric setting. Journal of Forensic Nursing, 7, p.68-
77. doi: 10.1111/j.1939-3938.2011.01101.x
Jacob, J.D. & Holmes, D. (2011). The culture of fear: Expanding the concept of risk in forensic psychiatric nursing. International Journal of Culture and Mental
Health, 4(2), 106-115. doi: 10.1080/17542863.2010.519123
McGregor, D. (2004). Nursing in prison: A primary health care role to be proud of. Nursing New Zealand,10(10), 20-21.
Newell, D. (2009). Prison nursing extends skills in a unique primary health setting. Nursing New Zealand, 15(8), 20-21.
Norman, A., & Parrish, A. (1999). Prison health care: Work environment and the nursing role. British Journal of Nursing, 8(10), 653-656.
Paris, J. (2008). The role of the legal nurse consultant in correctional health care litigation. Journal of Legal Nurse Consulting, 19(4),15-19.
Peate, I. (2011). Prisoner health: HIV infection and other blood-borne viral infections. British Journal of Nursing, 20(10), 605-610.
Perrett, S. (2011). Prisoner health: assessing a nurse-led hepatitis C testing clinic. British Journal of Nursing, 20(10), 611-614.
Perron, A. & Holmes, D. (2011). Constructing mentally ill inmates: Nurses' discursive practice in corrections. Nursing Inquiry, 18(3), 191-204.doi: 10.1111/j.1440-
1800.2011.00526.x
Perry, J., Bennett, C., & Lapworth, T. (2010). Management of long-term conditions in a prison setting. Nursing Standard, 24(42), 35-40.
Perry, J., Bennett, C., & Lapworth, T. (2010). Nursing in prisons: Developing the specialty of offender health care. Nursing Standard. 24(39), 35-40.
Ramluggun, P., Lindsay, B., & Pfeil, M. (2010). Research in prison: A researcher-practitioner's view. Nurse Researcher, 17 (3), 60-71.
Smith, E. (2010). Care versus custody: Nursing in the prison service. Practice Nurse, 40 (7), 33-35.
Schoenly, L. (2011).Confidentiality, HIPAA, and the correctional nurse. Retrieved from: http://correctionalnurse.net/2011/08/04/confidentiality-hipaa-and-the
-correctional-nurse/
Stamler, L., & Yiu, L. (2012). Community care. Community Health Nursing: A Canadian perspective 3rd edition (pp. 213- 235). Toronto: Pearson Canada Inc.
Stevens, A. (2010). Nursing in a correctional facility. Retrieved from:http://blog.sunbeltstaffing.com/nursing/nursing-in-a-correctional-facility
Weiskopf, C. S. (2005). Nurses’ experience of caring for inmate patients. Journal of Advanced Nursing, 49(4), 336-343.
Willmott, Y. (1997). Prison nursing: The tension between custody and care. British Journal of Nursing, 6(6), 333-336.
Bennett C., Perry, J., & Lapworth, T. (2010). Leadership skills for nurses working in the criminal justice system. Nursing Standard, 24(4), 35-40.
Bennett, C., Perry, J., Lapworth, T., Davies, J., & Preece, V. (2010). Supporting prison nurses: An action research approach to education. British Journal of
Nursing, 19(12), 782-786.
Blair, P. (2002). Correctional nursing: What's wrong with this picture? Correct Care.Retrieved from: http://www.ncchc.org/pubs/CC/legal_nursing.html
Condon, L., Harris, F., Kemple, T., & Powell, J. (2010). Nursing care of prisoners: Staff views and experiences. Journal of Advanced Nursing, 66(6), 1257-1265.
doi: 10.1111/j.1365-2648.2010.05296.x
Condon, L., Hek, G., Harris, F., Powell, J., Kemple, T., & Price, S. (2007). Users’ views of prison health services: A qualitative study. Journal of Advanced
Nursing, 58(3), 216–260.
Canadian Nurses Association. (2010).Caring in Corrections, Canadian Nurse, Retrieved from: http://www.csc-scc.gc.ca/text/hlth/cic-eng.shtml
Department of Health. (2005). Supporting People with Long Term Conditions: An NHS and Social Care Model to Support Local Innovation and Integration. The
Stationery Office, London.
Dumpel, H. (2005). Critical patient advocacy issues facing correctional RNs in California. California Nurse, 101(7), 22-27.
Dumpel, H. (2006). Critical patient advocacy issues facing correctional RNs in California, Part 2, California Nurse,102(2), 21-26.
Durcan, G. (2008). Mental health nursing in prison: A time for change in role. In Kettles, A., Woods, P., & Byres, R., Forensic Mental Health Nursing Capabilities,
Roles and Responsibilities. (pp. 291-307). London, UK: Quay Books Division.
Evans, N. (1999). Preparing nurses to work effectively in the prison Environment. British Journal of Nursing, 8(19), 1324 - 1326.
Ferszt, G. & Erickson-Owen, D.A. (2008). Development of an educational/support group for pregnant women in prison. Journal of Forensic Nursing, 4(2), 55-60.
doi: 10.1111/j.1939-3938.2008.00010.x
FitzGerald, E. (2007). Inside Job. Registered nurse: Journal of Patient Advocacy, 1-10. Retrieved from: www.calnurses.org
Hendry, C. (2008). Incarceration and the tasks of grief: A narrative review. Journal of Advanced Nursing, 65(2), 270–278.
Holmes, D., & Federman, C. (2003). Killing for the state: The darkest side of American nursing. Nursing Inquiry, 10(1), 2-10.
Jacob, J.D. & Holmes, D. (2010). Working under threat: Fear and nurse–patient interactions in a forensic psychiatric setting. Journal of Forensic Nursing, 7, p.68-
77. doi: 10.1111/j.1939-3938.2011.01101.x
Jacob, J.D. & Holmes, D. (2011). The culture of fear: Expanding the concept of risk in forensic psychiatric nursing. International Journal of Culture and Mental
Health, 4(2), 106-115. doi: 10.1080/17542863.2010.519123
McGregor, D. (2004). Nursing in prison: A primary health care role to be proud of. Nursing New Zealand,10(10), 20-21.
Newell, D. (2009). Prison nursing extends skills in a unique primary health setting. Nursing New Zealand, 15(8), 20-21.
Norman, A., & Parrish, A. (1999). Prison health care: Work environment and the nursing role. British Journal of Nursing, 8(10), 653-656.
Paris, J. (2008). The role of the legal nurse consultant in correctional health care litigation. Journal of Legal Nurse Consulting, 19(4),15-19.
Peate, I. (2011). Prisoner health: HIV infection and other blood-borne viral infections. British Journal of Nursing, 20(10), 605-610.
Perrett, S. (2011). Prisoner health: assessing a nurse-led hepatitis C testing clinic. British Journal of Nursing, 20(10), 611-614.
Perron, A. & Holmes, D. (2011). Constructing mentally ill inmates: Nurses' discursive practice in corrections. Nursing Inquiry, 18(3), 191-204.doi: 10.1111/j.1440-
1800.2011.00526.x
Perry, J., Bennett, C., & Lapworth, T. (2010). Management of long-term conditions in a prison setting. Nursing Standard, 24(42), 35-40.
Perry, J., Bennett, C., & Lapworth, T. (2010). Nursing in prisons: Developing the specialty of offender health care. Nursing Standard. 24(39), 35-40.
Ramluggun, P., Lindsay, B., & Pfeil, M. (2010). Research in prison: A researcher-practitioner's view. Nurse Researcher, 17 (3), 60-71.
Smith, E. (2010). Care versus custody: Nursing in the prison service. Practice Nurse, 40 (7), 33-35.
Schoenly, L. (2011).Confidentiality, HIPAA, and the correctional nurse. Retrieved from: http://correctionalnurse.net/2011/08/04/confidentiality-hipaa-and-the
-correctional-nurse/
Stamler, L., & Yiu, L. (2012). Community care. Community Health Nursing: A Canadian perspective 3rd edition (pp. 213- 235). Toronto: Pearson Canada Inc.
Stevens, A. (2010). Nursing in a correctional facility. Retrieved from:http://blog.sunbeltstaffing.com/nursing/nursing-in-a-correctional-facility
Weiskopf, C. S. (2005). Nurses’ experience of caring for inmate patients. Journal of Advanced Nursing, 49(4), 336-343.
Willmott, Y. (1997). Prison nursing: The tension between custody and care. British Journal of Nursing, 6(6), 333-336.