Overview
Correctional Nursing is a sub-specialty of Forensic Nursing.
The Licensed Practical/Vocational Nurse (LPN/LVN), Registered Nurse (RN), and/or the Advanced Practice Registered Nurse (APRN) who selects Correctional Nursing are all stepping into the very young world of Forensic Nursing.
In many facilities, Correctional Nurses face many obstacles as they try to render the best possible care they can. Often, they are working in dangerous situations with limited resources. These nurses must maintain astute abilities to remain sharp and fearless. They must stay abreast of the latest evidence-based medical care available.
Correctional Nursing Health Care Issues (not all-inclusive)
HIV
Hepatitis
Cardiac disease
Diabetes
Sexual assault
TB
Mental health issues/illness
Opioid addiction
Juvenile health issues
Injuries from trauma
The nurse must, as stated, remain sharp and be able to recognize a true medical issue as opposed to the inmate who is malingering in order to get attention and manipulate the situation in an attempt to fake a medical condition. The nurse must be able to differentiate among presentations to make very quick decisions about what is occurring. Of course, the nurse has protocols to follow and at the same time, must rely on his/her diagnostic abilities.
Many nurses may feel used and manipulated as Correctional Nurses and some do not get the proper recognition they deserve as excellent Nurses who have the astute ability to handle this type of patient.
Many LPNs (and RNs, but especially the former) who work in a Correctional Facility often feel like they would not be able to secure another position in any other entity; hospitals, clinics, etc. To the contrary, the Nurse who works as a Correctional Nurse is valuable in other areas of nursing and possesses astute diagnostic skills. These Nurses should have no difficulty securing a position outside the Correctional Facility; their resumes/CVs should cover exactly the role they played, their detailed job description, etc.
It takes a very special person to render care to the correctional inmate. A person who is kind, compassionate, fearless, and stays abreast of all the policies and procedures of the facility as well as how to apply Standard of Care (SOC) and evidence-based medicine.
How Do You Become a Correctional Nurse?
Graduate from accredited Registered Nurse (RN) or Licensed Practical/Vocational Nurse (LPN/LVN) nursing program
LPN/LVN
Certificate, diploma, or degree
RN
Diploma, ADN, BSN, or higher
NP (or other APRN)
MSN or higher
Successfully pass the NCLEX-RN or NCLEX-PN
Possess current unencumbered RN or LPN/LVN license in U.S. state of practice
What are the Continuing Education Requirements for a Correctional Nurse?
The National Commission on Correctional Healthcare (NCCHC) offers the Certified Correctional Health Professional-RN (CCHP-RN) certification for the Registered Nurse.
Eligibility (not all-inclusive)
Current CCHP certification
Graduate from accredited RN nursing program
Successfully pass NCLEX-RN
Possess current, unencumbered RN license in U.S. state (and U.S. territories) of practice
Two years (full-time) RN experience
2,000 practice hours in correctional setting within last three years
54 hours of continuing education in nursing (18 hours specific to correctional health care) within the last three years
Salary (2020)
$61,740 avg (Registered Nurse )
$47,363 avg (Licensed Practical Nurse )
$81,433 avg (for all 'nurses')
Hiring preferences and salaries vary by location. You can find U.S. salaries by location at indeed.com.
Resources
The following sites provide additional information and details about the Correctional Nursing specialty area to see if this might be something of interest.
American Correctional Association (ACA)
International Association of Forensic Nurses (IAFN)
