A Correctional Nurse called the hospital for treatment and discharge information on a patient who was seen in the emergency department after an assault in the rec yard and returned with a wired jaw.    The emergency room nurse refused to provide any information, stating it would be a violation of HIPAA. She instructs the Correctional Nurse ... Read More about Correctional Nurse Clinical Update: Confidentiality, HIPAA and the Correctional Nurse ..read more

In a recent post, I mentioned that nurse fatigue leads to errors and affects patient safety, and I wanted to review this in more detail, as it is a very real concern in correctional nursing.  First, what is correctional nurse fatigue?   Fatigue is an overwhelming sense of tiredness, lack of energy, and a feeling of exhaustion associated with impaired ... Read More about Correctional Nurse Practice Update: Nurse Fatigue in Corrections ..read more

Managing chronic conditions is a major process in every correctional setting. The chronic care visit is an ideal time for patient teaching and reinforcement. Correctional nurses often provide a large part of patient teaching in a collaborative chronic care clinic. Areas of teaching include Unfortunately, there are few ready-made patient educational materials that suit the ... Read More about Chronic Care: Patient Education That Makes Sense ..read more

In the healthcare realm, the role of a correctional nurse stands at the intersection of healthcare and criminal justice systems. Providing medical care within correctional facilities demands not only clinical expertise but also a deep commitment to ethical principles. The unique environment and challenges inherent in this setting bring forward a distinct set of ethical ... Read More about Correctional Nurse Professional Practice: Understanding the Ethical Considerations in Correctional Nursing ..read more

Correctional nursing presents unique challenges, including working within a confined environment; managing diverse health issues that may have been neglected in the community;  and navigating security protocols. However, it also offers immense rewards, like making a positive impact on a population that is negatively affected  by the social determinants of health, and contributing to positive ... Read More about Correctional Nurse Practice: The Unique Roles of LPN/LVNs and RNs in Corrections ..read more

Assessing neurological function is a critical aspect of patient care, especially for healthcare professionals working in the correctional setting. Recognizing signs of neurological impairment can aid in early detection and prompt intervention. Here’s a guide to conducting a basic neurological assessment: Understanding Neurological Assessment The nervous system is intricate, governing various bodily functions. A neurological ... Read More about Correctional Nurse Clinical Update:  Assessing Neurological Impairment in Patients  ..read more

Already another year has gone by and I want to thank everyone reading this blog for your enthusiasm and support.  In 2023 we had over 138,000 posts read!  This is incredible to me, and certainly makes the work gratifying knowing that someone is reading it. Below I have listed the posts that received the most ... Read More about Top Posts of 2023 ..read more

In the world of healthcare, meticulous documentation is the cornerstone of effective patient care. Every word written in a health record carries significant weight, providing a snapshot of the patient’s condition, guiding subsequent care, and influencing treatment plans. However, amidst the quest for precision, there’s a prevalent yet overlooked issue: the use of seemingly meaningful, ... Read More about The Pitfalls of Empty Phrases in Health Record Documentation ..read more

In the realm of healthcare, professional development stands as a cornerstone for nurses aiming to excel in their roles. Within the unique sphere of correctional nursing, where healthcare intersects with the criminal justice system, the significance of ongoing education and skill enhancement cannot be overstated. The dynamic nature of this specialty demands continual growth, adapting ... Read More about Advancing Excellence: Professional Development in Correctional Nursing ..read more

All nurses need to be concerned about legal risk in their nursing career no matter the specialty. Correctional nurses, however, have some specific areas of concern based on our unique setting and patient population. Because correctional nurses work in a custody environment designed to maintain security and order rather than for providing healthcare, conflict can ... Read More about Legal Risk and the Correctional Nurse ..read more