The nurse as a Correctional Officer
Communication skills
Inmate behavior
Self-defense
Understanding and dealing with narcotics
Search procedures
Report writing
CPR
Riot/hostage situations

Conducting sick line with the physician
Conducting sick line using standard protocols
Conducting sick line in maximum-security areas including administrative/custody holding areas
Conducting sick line on the ranges or in the inmate units

Working with inmates on the general ward
Working with inmates with communicable diseases or in isolation

HIV/Aids
TB
Hepatitis B and C
STD’s

Working with inmates under “custody” orders
Suicidal inmates
Disciplinary status

Conducting sick line in maximum-security settings
“Custody first”
Bringing inmates out of cells
Distributing medication

Setting up medication for pharmacy line
Checking medication into the pharmacy
Positive/negative feedback

Administering treatments such as whirlpool, dressing changes, wound care to inmates on call out

Responding to medical emergencies in the compound
Responding to medical emergencies on the ranges or in the units
Responding to medical emergencies in the maximum security areas
Responding to medical emergencies involving Department of Corrections personnel

Female RN’s in the male prison/jail
Male RN’s in the female prison/jail

1. Introduction to Correctional Nursing

1. Correctional nursing is paradoxical when tested against the realities of Nursing Practice and Theory in “normal” health care settings. In addition to the myriad of traditional issues facing the Professional Registered Nurse (LPN, ADN, BSN, MSN), there are substantial ancillary issues that are seldom, if ever, encountered in any other health care setting.
2. The Correctional Nurse is expected to demonstrate multidisciplinary talent in the prison or jail setting. He or she is expected to demonstrate proficiency in nearly every aspect of nursing practice save Pediatric nursing. He or she will allude to, and seek direction from, nearly every nursing talent at their disposal. They will test multiple nursing scenarios against the abusive, difficult and often tense surroundings of the Correctional environment and, at times, come up empty handed.
3. Because there is such multiplicity in the Correctional setting it is difficult to either exact from or adhere to any one theoretical nursing approach. Additionally, given the tenure of Corrections, it may be appropriate to either co-join multiple nursing theories and/or models used by the Correctional nurse or develop an entirely new one relevant to the Correctional environment. However, considering the complexity versus efficacy of developing a new model or theory, it may be more prudent to adapt one or more of those previously presented.

2. Upon completion of the course students should be able to:

1. List and understand components of prerequisite training for correctional nurses

1. Assessment skills checklist

1. Basic Procedures (i.e. administration of O2, Basic First Aid, Sharps disposal, etc.)
2. Catheterization
3. Communication skills
4. Education (i.e. providing teaching to specific inmate needs, location of inmate educational materials)
5. Intravenous therapy
6. Injections
7. Medication Administration
8. Medical records
9. Respiratory
10. Restraints
11. Specimen Collection
12. Techniques (i.e. ace, cane, binders, crutches, etc.)
13. Treatments (i.e. ekg, ostomy care, suture removal, dressing changes, etc.)
14. Vital signs

2. List responsibilities of nurses acting in the capacity of a Correctional Officer
3. List limitations of the nurse as a Correctional Officer
4. Describe the essential elements of effective communication
5. Develop effective conflict management skills
6. Identify appropriate and inappropriate inmate behaviors and sequelae
7. Define appropriate situations to employ self defense measures
8. Describe the nurses responsibilities and actions as a hostage
9. List and describe responsibilities while working with the inmate in (on)

1. sick line – medical
2. sick line – range
3. sick line – physician’s
4. the infirmary
5. the behavioral observation unit
6. maximum security
7. pharmacy
8. treatment room
9. emergency situations

10. Describe ways in which critical thinking skills are used along with independent judgment when working with inmates
11. Explain the rationale underlying “custody first” issues
12. Differentiate normal and abnormal behaviors exhibited by inmates and their etiology
13. Discuss appropriate methods for focused inmate interaction
14. Describe appropriate techniques utilized for inmate control in each environment
15. Develop a systematic framework for working in key areas
16. List key examination findings that would require prompt medical referral to

1. the infirmary
2. the physician
3. the observation unit

17. Identify needs of inmates with communicable diseases and appropriate interventions of each
18. List the “taboos” when working with inmates of the opposite sex
19. Describe ways in which the nurse demonstrates acceptance of responsibility and professional accountability
20. Describe ways in which you demonstrate proficiency in performing nursing interventions adhering to all standards of practice (institutional, legal, ethical, and professional)