In correctional healthcare, communication isn’t just important—it’s essential. As correctional nurses, we work in a complex, highly structured environment where we are often the first—and sometimes only—healthcare professional with whom patients interact. Our ability to communicate clearly, effectively, and compassionately has a direct impact on patient outcomes, safety, and the therapeutic relationship we build with those in our care. Why…
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Correctional Nurse Professional Practice Update: The New ANA Code of Ethics Provision 5
We have begun our review of the new 2025 Code of Ethics for Nurses published by the American Nurses Association with a review of Provision 1, 2, 3 and 4. In this post, we will discuss Provision 5. The nurse has moral duties to self as a person of inherent dignity and worth, including an expectation of a safe place…
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Correctional Nursing Practice Update: Women and Incarceration: Caring for Pregnant Women
If you work with female incarcerated individuals, you are likely to regularly care for pregnant patients. It is estimated that 6-10% of incarcerated women are pregnant at any time in the criminal justice system as almost 80% of female incarcerated individuals are of child-bearing age. Many correctional nurses enter their correctional practice with little experience caring for pregnant women, yet we…
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