Passion and commitment are two of the qualities that one will notice when talking with nurses that work within the healthcare settings of correctional environments. Although correctional nursing can have negative viewpoints, there are great aspects to correctional environments for healthcare providers. Discover the 5 benefits of being a correctional nurse.
Autonomous Practice
Correctional nurses are the main face of the healthcare providers within a corrections environment and in many cases, the gatekeeper to the physicians. From the initial assessments of patients to developing treatment plans, the nurse is the primary and sometimes only healthcare provider that the patients have to assist with their medical needs. Thus, correctional nurses can utilize their clinical expertise, within provider’s discretion to support the health and safety of inmates.
Variety
Nurses obtain a structure and routine within any healthcare setting. However, within a correctional setting, nurses have to manage many variables throughout a work day. Following the proper protocol and incorporating clinical and personal experience for any situation that can arise can impact the care of the patients and views of fellow healthcare professionals. It is important to have a high tolerance for bizarre situations and be open-minded about various personalities and diversity that you will encounter within the inmate population.
Uniquely Challenging Environment
Healthcare staffing poses many challenges in both non-correctional and correctional settings. According to many correctional nurses, a major difference between the two is the natural emotional limitations between the patient and the caregiver. Correctional nursing really allows a nurse to focus on strictly “caring for people,” and limiting the biases and relationships between healthcare professional and inmate. However, as a nurse, you are still able to connect and have compassion with the patients. It is important for a nurse to learn and understand these differences. Also, the correctional environment is unique as it allows all healthcare professionals to collaborate and incorporate their varying clinical backgrounds to provide treatment plans and follow-up care when working with inmates. This approach is generalized and guided by principals of ensuring the safety, custody, and needed healthcare of inmates.
Rewarding Accomplishments
Throughout daily challenges, a nurse can be rewarded with the ability to influence the most vulnerable patients that are in need of healthcare. With more than two million men and women in custody in American jails and prisons, there’s a great need for nurses to care for the correctional population. Of this two million, over seventy-five percent are suffering from physical and mental health concerns. The healthcare need is tremendous as correctional care nurses are in high demand! For those that choose this career path, the reward can be endless. The care and impact a nurse can have is incredible and valuable in our society.
Safety
Healthcare professionals always question the safety of an environment and within corrections, it is no different. Clearly, it can be the number one concern amongst these nurses. Strict operational guidelines and protocols are maintained to secure the safety of healthcare professionals. Although, it is important to be proactive and maintain caution within a correctional setting, it is also imperative to always be aware of your surroundings and remain professional at all times. Despite the uncertainty and concern for criminal behavior, recent studies have shown more violence to occur within private healthcare settings compared to the correctional healthcare settings. A secured location is a positive for healthcare providers and inmates, passing through metal detectors and having all bags scanned is a way of protecting all individuals. The benefit of this environment is you know exactly where your patient is when you walk into your work day and already have security backup. No surprises versus other healthcare facility settings.
Correctional Nursing is a Best Kept Secret
Like every job, being a correctional nurse has its benefits and downfalls. Overall, it is an interesting healthcare profession and there is something new to learn with a different, rewarding experience each day. There is a growing need for more nurses in the correctional specialty. Consider a job in correctional nursing today!
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