Correctional nursing. You have probably heard a few rumors about this nursing specialty, but do you know what it takes to succeed in this alternative healthcare setting? Join us as we explore the top ten correctional nursing skills that are needed to provide the best patient care possible.
Please Note: As a correctional nurse, you will always work in concert with the facility’s attending physician or dentist.
Correctional Nursing Skills
1. Mental Health
According to the American Psychological Association, 64% of jail inmates, 54% of state prisoners and 45% of federal prisoners are dealing with a mental health disorder. These disorders range from mild cases of anxiety and depression to schizophrenia and psychosis. As a correctional nurse, you will need to have a firm understanding of the different mental health disorders, their treatment plans and the possible side-effects of any prescribed medications. The American Psychiatric Nurses Association (APNA) is a terrific resource for any clinician looking to expand their correctional nursing skillset.
A psychiatric nurse, also known as a behavioral health nurse or a mental health nurse, works with patients that are receiving treatment for a variety of mental illnesses. Since mental illness can occur at any point in life, patients range in age from children to the elderly. In addition to treating psychiatric disorders, behavioral health nurses also help patients address the stigma associated with their mental health issue(s). It is a career path that blends psychology, psychiatry and nursing.
A home health nurse, also known as a home care nurse, provides one-on-one care in a patient’s home. Most of the time, the patients that a home care nurse treats have been discharged from a hospital or other medical care setting. Home health nurses are primarily responsible for ensuring a patient’s continued recovery and for monitoring for any potential complications that would result in readmittance to a healthcare facility.
Simply put, a respiratory therapist is a certified medical professional that works with patients of all ages that are suffering from sudden or chronic breathing problems. Due to the nature of their work, respiratory therapists closely collaborate with doctors and other healthcare professionals to ensure patients receive a correct diagnosis, an effective treatment plan and an appropriate level of care. In addition to knowing/understanding human anatomy and physiology, respiratory therapists must have a broad knowledge of the pathophysiology of the cardiopulmonary systems (i.e. diseased or injured cardiovascular organs).
A long-term acute care facility is specifically designed for patients with complex medical conditions that require the ongoing support of an interdisciplinary team. While patients in a LTAC unit no longer need extensive diagnostic procedures or the level of care available in an intensive care unit (ICU), the severity of their condition(s) makes them inappropriate for a rehabilitation center, skilled nursing facility or home healthcare service.
I would have to say that I came to the conclusion that a career in social work was right for me after I had a progression of jobs working with people. Before I got my social work license, I had the opportunity to work with autistic children in my school district and with survivors of domestic violence. It was from these experiences that I realized I had a passion for working with people. However, I didn’t immediately make a career transition after having these jobs. Around 2012, I was working in the insurance industry and there was a reduction in force at my company. I was left without at job. At the same time, there were personal circumstances that led me to reevaluate my life. It was then that I decided I wanted to purse a license in social work. 
While I was pursuing my bachelor’s degree at the University of Wisconsin-Parkside, I knew that I wanted to end up in a career where I would have the opportunity to help and care for other people. At the time, I didn’t know that nursing would be the place where I would land. As I was trying to decide on a major that was right for me, I took a very general class about nursing. From there, I was hooked. I had so many amazing teachers along the way that encouraged me. Their enthusiasm for the profession was contagious. I’ve never regretted my choice to become a nurse.
Are you ready to find a more rewarding career in healthcare? Consider bringing your nursing skills to a long-term care environment that will affect the patients and other nurses in a positive way? They will benefit from your experience, patience, ideas, and mentorship. As a contract nurse, you can provide a new set of skills and experiences in a long-term care facility which can improve the facility’s practices and patient care.
