Correctional Nursing
Nursing is a wide field that includes a variety of specialties. Depending on what the students end up choosing, they can opt to remain unspecialized. However, nurses with specialties and advanced degrees can find more lucrative opportunities than other nursing professionals.
Correctional nursing is a field within nursing that involves treating imprisoned patients in juvenile detention centers, prisons and halfway houses. As working in such environments can be very challenging, these nurses need to have lot of confidence, take special precautions and follow certain regulations to protect against confrontations with potentially violent criminals. It can also be nerve-racking to be understanding towards murderers and other offenders but the job of these nurses is to focus on their wellbeing by overlooking their offenses.
A rehabilitation nurse performs the same duties as nurses in traditional medical facilities. They provide health care by assessing, diagnosing and treating patients. They also monitor medical supplies such as needles and medication. Correctional nurses limit the use of potentially harmful materials and carefully monitor the patients' progress and responses to medical treatments. In addition, these nurses are also responsible for documenting patient medical histories. To become a correctional nurse, students need to complete educational and licensing requirements.
How to Become a Correctional Nurse
Students who are interested in pursuing a career in the field of correctional nursing need to earn a registered nurse degree. They can also get into associate or bachelor’s degrees in nursing that include both classroom-based learning as well as clinical experience. Coursework in these programs may include topics such as primary healthcare, biosciences, clinical nursing practice, health optimization and more. Other courses may include policy, ethics, and regulations as well as nursing leadership and management.
Once they obtain an RN degree, they must obtain a license to practice this profession. Aspiring correctional nurses need to pass the National Council Licensure Examination to obtain licenses. Those who would like to improve their employment options should enroll in additional certificate programs in this field of nursing. The National Commission on Correctional Health Care offers certification for nurses who seek a career in correctional nursing. For this they need to pass an examination.
Career Outlook and Correctional Nurse Salary
In addition to competitive salaries, correctional nurses enjoy a variety of benefits such as job security, professional freedom and bonuses. On average, these nurses can earn in the range of $50,000-60,000 on an annual basis. The income of these nurses depends on various factors such as the experience, nursing background, and the job location.
Online Nursing Programs
Aspiring correctional nurses who cannot enroll in traditional classes can get into online nursing degrees. These programs are more flexible than regular degrees in nursing, allowing students to attend classes from the comfort of their home. Working nurses seeking a career in correctional nursing can also enroll in online programs and complete them alongside their jobs. They are provided with an array of tools such as online databases, chat forums and audio visual aids that help them learn as effectively as students in traditional programs. Students who reside in remote areas can also enroll in online nursing degrees.
Ask an Expert
Q:What is the definition of correctional nursing?
A:Correctional nursing can be defined as the practice of nursing in the criminal justice environment. These nurses work in jails, correctional facilities, detention centers, and prisons. They provide a range of clinical services and healthcare services to prisoners and inmates. Correctional nurses perform routine checkups and treat individuals with medical conditions such as diabetes.
Q:Can you give me some information about correctional nursing jobs?
A:Correctional nurses usually work in prison and correctional facilities, and are required to provide healthcare to prisoners. The job duties include tasks such as administering medication; performing emergency medical procures such as CPR in case of emergency, treat patients with disorders or medical complications such as diabetes, depression, or hepatitis.
Q:I came across the median range of a correctional nurse salary, but I want to know exactly what these nurses are required to do. Can you tell me?
A:Correctional nurses provide healthcare services to prisoners and inmates. They are required to work in correctional facilities and prisons. These nurses must be highly skilled in providing medical treatment to patients in emergency situations. The regular job duties include administering medication, providing care to patients suffering from diabetes or any other illness, and performing routine medical checkups.
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