Have you ever thought about working behind bars? For many nurses, providing health care in a jail or prison is not even a consideration when deciding on a career direction. In fact, many practicing in the criminal justice system consider themselves to be ‘accidental’ correctional nurses. Must nurses have little contact with the criminal justice system in nursing school and so are unlikely to choose the specialty. In fact, the general public would rather not think about our patient population. Prisons are often located in out-of-the-way places and the patient population is invisible to most people. Yet over two million Americans are currently behind bars. That is a lot of people in need of health care. And, at least 95% of prisoners will eventually be released so correctional health care affects public health in a big way. It takes a special person to practice nursing. Nurses must jump into the lives of their patients at a rough point. Illness, injury, and suffering can be ugly, intense, and deeply painful. We deal with body fluids, needles, gaping wounds, and heart-wrenching loss and must take it all in stride. It takes a special nurse to practice correctional nursing. The criminal justice system is an unlikely health care environment and prisoners are a unique patient population. Here, illness, injury, and suffering are treated in the midst of heightened security, reduced resources, and isolation. Yet many nurses find their calling in this unusual health care setting. The variety and nature of patient health needs and the opportunity to bring care and concern into a dehumanizing situation can be unexpected job satisfiers. Correctional nurses deal with a population of disadvantaged and vulnerable patients in a difficult time of life. Lack of prior health care contact means nurses can care for patients with unusual conditions along with the mundane ones. Correctional nursing has been described as ‘real’ nursing as incarcerated patients need health teaching, self-care skills, and chronic disease management. Correctional nursing practice is autonomous and self-directed. Is correctional nursing for you? Find out in the pages of this short book. Take a few hours to explore the many facets of correctional nursing practice. Look behind the curtain into this hidden practice setting. Discover this well-kept nursing secret and decide if you should consider becoming a correctional nurse. Over two million incarcerated patients need you!
