Correctional nursing was at one time viewed as the only option for those who could not find a job in a traditional hospital setting. By the 1980s, the American Medical Association established the National Commission on Correctional Health Care an independent, not-for-profit 501(c)(3) organization whose early mission was to evaluate and develop policy and programs for a field clearly in need of assistance.(1) Specialty certification as a Certified Correctional Health Professional in Registered Nursing is available through the NCCHC, and the specialty merits exploration because of the value of the work being done and the difference being made. The requirements for applying for CCHP-RN are available through www.NCCHC.org.
There is no shortage of action for a correctional nurse as the shift begins. There was a late night stabbing which has the infirmary buzzing, waiting in line are two patients ill from hepatitis, and another having complications from diabetes. The scene is not unlike that at many hospital emergency rooms, except here there are armed guards at every door escorting inmates and protecting the health services staff. “Correctional nurses are one part security; one part ER nurse; one part primary care nurse; and, if working in an infirmary, one part critical care nurse,” explains Anna Moak, emphasizing that correctional nurses have a very tough task. (2) The rewards for servicing the inmate population are just as robust as other nursing specialties mainly because many of these men and women have had little to no health screenings in the past. The first time they have received medical care may be upon arrival in the correctional system, and they are truly grateful for the attention and care. Over the years, the NCCHC has built upon this foundation and has shed light on the advantages of working in correctional nursing. Aside from the increased variety in the role on a daily basis, these nurses form a tight bond with the doctors and other medical staff, have increased autonomy in providing care and gain invaluable experience. The doctors and nurses work side by side and forge a true team environment which enables nurses to take more initiative in providing care without being micro managed. The experience breeds confidence and provides unique experiences tough to emulate in the hospital or office.
Within any patient setting, the job has its risks and correctional nursing is no exception. However, a nurse working in a hospital has no control over who walks in and out of its doors and unexpected circumstances can arise at any time. In the correctional setting, there are officers everywhere and protocols are in place to keep inmates and all staff safe while at work. A particularly unique challenge is dealing with prison lockdown situations where movement is restricted which can make getting the job done difficult. Due to funding, a nurse may find herself in charge of 100-200 inmates with a variety of mental illnesses or drug addictions. Correctional nurses must employ keen awareness of inmate motives for requests and read body language to identify genuine or manipulative behavior. There are many misconceptions about correctional nursing that keep qualified nurses from exploring this opportunity. However, those that take a chance have found it to be a very rewarding field to practice.
Correctional nurses often work long hours and work through complex problem solving on a regular basis. They are not always given the acknowledgement deserved for the sizable task they are given to complete. These skilled nurses do what is expected of them and ask for little back, but it goes without saying that they are a vital asset to the corrections system. Walking between security and optimal nursing care is a line that more nurses are starting to cross because the benefits are worth it.
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