At present, there are greater than 2.4 million women and men serving time in America’s jails and prisons. Of those 2.4 million inmates, it’s estimated that 40% are managing continual medical circumstances; 40% are dealing with psychological well being issues; and 65% meet the medical standards for substance abuse and dependancy. By no means has the necessity for certified and succesful healthcare suppliers which can be prepared to deal with this weak inhabitants been so evident. Nevertheless, misguided assumptions about correctional healthcare prevents many clinicians from pursuing these job alternatives.

Whereas not the best work atmosphere for each clinician, the correctional healthcare setting can present a wealthy and rewarding profession for these nurses which can be prepared to place their preconceived notions to the check. To assist fight a few of the pure biases that encompass the correctional healthcare vocation, we interviewed Chris McMahon, RN, BSN. As an skilled correctional nurse, Chris gives perception into what a typical day seems like in correctional healthcare, the kind of care that correctional nurses are typically answerable for and what it takes to reach this non-traditional healthcare area.

1. What initially attracted you to a profession in nursing?

Whereas I used to be pursuing my bachelor’s diploma on the College of Wisconsin-Parkside, I knew that I needed to finish up in a profession the place I’d have the chance to assist and look after different individuals. On the time, I didn’t know that nursing could be the place the place I’d land. As I used to be attempting to determine on a significant that was proper for me, I took a really common class about nursing. From there, I used to be hooked. I had so many wonderful lecturers alongside the best way that inspired me. Their enthusiasm for the career was contagious. I’ve by no means regretted my option to turn out to be a nurse.

2. How did you come to work as a correctional nurse?

I used to be initially uncovered to the correctional healthcare atmosphere as a part of a scientific rotation whereas incomes my affiliate diploma. I had the chance to spend six weeks on the Ethan Allen College for Boys, a correctional facility for juvenile offenders in Delafield, Wisconsin. I assume I used to be fortunate. I had a very good expertise there. One of many nurses on the facility took me underneath their wing and actually confirmed me how I may make a optimistic distinction within the lives of the sufferers. Simply because the rotation was ending and I used to be on the brink of graduate, a place on the facility grew to become accessible. I utilized, was employed and the remainder is historical past. I don’t assume I’d have pursued a job as a correctional nurse if I hadn’t had a optimistic expertise on my scientific rotation first.

3. What does a typical day appear like?

A typical day for a correctional nurse is each predictable and unpredictable. Inside the facility, there’s a regular rhythm and move to life. As an example, head rely (when inmates should return to their cell and be counted) and mealtimes happen on the identical time day by day. Throughout these instances, inmates usually are not allowed to schedule medical appointments. This implies you may have devoted time slots all through your day when you may give attention to job obligations exterior of affected person care. It’s a pleasant steadiness.

Whereas the construction and routine of every day is extremely predictable, the kind of care that you simply present as a correctional nurse modifications from day-to-day. Surely, you’ll have inmates that want common remedies for continual medical circumstances. Nevertheless, identical to in common life, medical emergencies occur that require your fast consideration. As the first care supplier throughout the facility, these sufferers will come to you first for evaluation and subsequent steps. These emergencies require you to be versatile and to assume in your toes.

4. What kind of care is a correctional nurse answerable for offering?

As a correctional nurse, you may have the chance to see and deal with the spectrum of medical circumstances. From dermatological points to emergent circumstances, you’ll be the primary particular person the inmate sees for remedy. Moreover, you’ll be the one who decides if the inmate must be taken to a specialist for added care. Whereas the care you present will at all times be carried out in session with a doctor, you’ll have a variety of autonomy in deciding how that remedy plan is carried out and when/if subsequent steps have to be taken.

One facet of being a correctional nurse that I particularly take pleasure in is the chance to show my sufferers on a regular basis medical abilities. As an example, I’ve had sufferers with diabetes that haven’t been capable of management their blood sugars. By means of my interactions with these sufferers, I’ve had the chance to coach them about correct meals decisions and the necessity for normal train. In my expertise, these sufferers have been grateful for the data that I’ve imparted. For some inmates, you’ll be the primary medical skilled that’s persistently advocating for his or her wellbeing. You should have the chance to affect their relationship to well being and medical care.

5. Does working in a correctional setting change your method to affected person care? If sure, how so?

Relating to affected person interactions, there isn’t any distinction in how I deal with an inmate from an everyday affected person. Everybody that involves me for medical assistance is handled with dignity and respect. I feel that’s the important thing to profitable supplier/affected person interactions. Whether or not you’re working in a standard healthcare setting or a correctional facility, you solely get one likelihood to make a great first impression. When you come throughout as impolite or condescending, your affected person isn’t more likely to comply with your suggestions or be compliant with the remedy plan. In case your objective is to assist heal individuals, respect is step one.

6. How would you describe your typical affected person interactions?

On the entire, I’d describe my typical affected person interactions as fairly optimistic. Inmates are coming to see the nurse as a result of they need medical consideration and recommendation. They don’t seem to be being compelled to come back see you. In consequence, they normally have a variety of questions. They need to study their situation and why their remedy plan is the best plan of action. I discover {that a} good portion of every of my interactions is spent on affected person training. It’s particularly rewarding to share what I do know and watch a affected person apply that data for his or her well being and betterment.

7. What steps does the correctional facility take to make sure your security?

Typically talking, as a part of the on-boarding course of, you’ll be required to undergo primary security coaching lessons. As an example, chances are you’ll be required to take a collection of on-line lessons about recognizing manipulation, the right way to successfully talk, what basic security procedures have to be adopted, and many others. Moreover, the power will seemingly ship you offsite for added hands-on coaching the place you’ll discover ways to deescalate confrontations and keep away from hostile conditions. While you’re offering care, there’ll at all times be a guard inside earshot to make sure that everyone seems to be on their finest conduct. In my expertise, this can be very uncommon for an inmate to assault the medical workers. Prisoners view the nurses and docs at their facility as individuals which can be there to assist them, not punish them.

8. What are a few of the challenges of working as a correctional nurse?

One of many hardest features of working as a correctional nurse is ensuring that you’re taking good care of your psychological and emotional well being. For varied causes, the correctional healthcare atmosphere could be very tense. To be able to do your job to one of the best of your capacity, you will have to “verify in with your self.” When you discover that you’re not doing okay, that the stress is attending to you, you will have to succeed in out to your mates, relations or (presumably) a psychological well being skilled to get your self again on observe. It’s essential to recollect you can’t handle others for those who aren’t taking good care of your self.

9. What are a few of the advantages of working as a correctional nurse?

I feel that one of many largest advantages that you simply get working as a correctional nurse is the autonomy that the job gives. Whereas your work will at all times be carried out in session with a doctor, it’s unlikely that a physician might be on the power’s grounds day by day, advising you what to do in each state of affairs. Your sufferers are going to be counting on you to assist them then and there. It’s a terrific alternative to make use of your nursing license and medical diploma to its fullest.

One other nice good thing about working as a correctional nurse is the chance to be taught and broaden your talent set. As an example, nurses that work in a hospital not often have the chance to carry out a radical head-to-toe examination. Over time, their data turns into extremely specialised in a single space. In consequence, they don’t have the chance to see and deal with as many circumstances. To be able to be efficient, a correctional nurse have to be prepared to continuously be taught and develop. Your affected person’s well being and wellbeing will depend on you may have a various data base.

10. What would you inform fellow nurses which can be hesitant about pursuing a profession as a correctional nurse?

Firstly, I’d inform them that life inside a jail or jail is nothing like what they see on tv or within the films. These eventualities are dramatized to create leisure worth. Similar to a standard healthcare setting, you’ll have days which can be lengthy, boring and predictable and days once you marvel if there’s something within the water. No matter what setting you’re employed in, you continue to have to be versatile and compassionate.

Moreover, I’d inform them that it’s pure to have reservations about working on this area. Nevertheless, they will simply overcome their issues by having a dialog with a nurse that has or is working in a correctional atmosphere. They may be capable of communicate to your particular questions and mentor you on the right way to be simplest.