How to Become a Correctional Nurse
Working as a correctional nurse can offer just as much variety and reward as any other nursing specialty. Inmates at correctional facilities need compassionate care as much as anyone else. Are you interested in pursuing this career path? Keep reading to learn more about what these nurses do and how to become one.
What Is a Correctional Nurse and What Do Correctional Nurses Do?
Correctional nurses provide medical care to inmates in correctional facilities. They address both acute and chronic needs, and ensure the overall welfare of the population. Some routine tasks you might encounter if you were to spend a day in the life of a correctional nurse include:
- Dress wounds and change bandages
- Administer medications
- Assess for physical and mental decline
- Educate patients on relevant health issues
- Address the spread of communicable diseases
- Monitor patients while they use medical equipment such as X-rays and dialysis machines
- Communicate pertinent information to the rest of the healthcare team
Where Do Corrections Nurses Work?
Although the work environments of correctional nurses often share certain patterns, these nurses can be found in a variety of settings.
- Jails
- Prisons
- Juvenile detention centers
- Substance abuse treatment centers
- Halfway houses
- Mental health facilities
Education Requirements
The education required for this specialty is similar to that of other healthcare professionals. You must obtain your associate or bachelor’s degree in nursing. Once you have your degree, you must pass the NCLEX-RN exam to receive your license before you can work as a correctional nurse.
How Long Does It Take to Become a Corrections Nurse?
The amount of time it takes to begin working varies based upon your unique path. For full-time students, an associate degree takes two years, while a bachelor’s degree takes four years. If you attend classes part-time, completing your education could take longer.
After you finish school, it would be wise to get some clinical experience before working in corrections. This environment can be intense, so it’s helpful to be confident in your skills. The amount of experience you obtain before starting this position is up to you, but at least a year would be ideal.
Correctional Nurse Certification
Obtaining your certified correctional health professional (CCHP-RN) credentials shows your commitment to this patient population. If you decide to pursue this certificate, you must take a two-hour exam that has 70–100 multiple choice questions. You may be charged a $50 fee depending on the exam site you choose. You will be tested on your ability to:
- Manage incarcerated patients
- Maintain a safe healthcare environment
- Educate on promoting healthful living
- Understand your responsibilities
Although this certification isn’t necessary to start working, the knowledge you gain can provide valuable insights. Plus, it will give you an edge over applicants who haven’t taken this extra step.
What Are Some Good Corrections Nurse Skills to Develop?
This specialty requires a unique skill set. Below are traits that will help you thrive at work.
Assertiveness
Many of your patients will have led hard lives in which they had to use force or constantly appear tough as a way of survival. Expect to be tested by people who attempt to find small ways to tip the power balance in their favor. You must get comfortable with speaking up for yourself in the face of disrespect and be willing to stand your ground when a patient isn’t compliant.
Awareness
The complex reasons why people are incarcerated are far beyond the scope of this article, but it’s likely that a portion of them committed violent crimes. Pay attention to your surroundings and listen to your intuition. This might help you avoid being harmed as a result of an individual outburst or riot. Awareness of yourself, others, and your environment can go a long way in keeping you safe.
Empathy
When a patient frustrates you, take a deep breath and imagine yourself in their position.Regardless of why an individual is imprisoned, it’s hard to live in such a restrained environment. It can be painful to feel rejected from the outside world. Some of your patients may be serving time for crimes they didn’t commit, or for split-second decisions that had unintended negative results. Others may have committed crimes as a result of perpetuating behaviors that used to permeate their lives. It’s complicated, and empathy will be a necessary skill in this role.
Calm Under Stress
Correctional facilities are prone to violent outbreaks, and on a smaller scale, you can expect plenty of tense moments. Regardless of what’s happening, you’re still expected to provide quality nursing care. It’s essential to maintain awareness, hone your coping mechanisms, and uphold professionalism so you’re able to work well no matter the situation.
Resilience
On top of the chaotic events you may have to deal with at work, you’ll likely be exposed to vicarious trauma from your patients. In other words, you’ll have to withstand a lot of difficult emotions and situations in order to do this job. It’s important to prioritize self-care and remind yourself of why you chose to aid underserved populations. You’re making a difference, and cultivating resilience is key to ensuring you’re able to continue your important work.
Correctional Nurse Salary
The average corrections nurse salary is $62,666 per year. They typically make between $56,216 and $71,637 annually. Keep in mind that wages can vary based on experience, location, and the specific facility in which you work.
Are You Ready to Become a Correctional Nurse?
This unique specialty is worth exploring as long as you can withstand the tough situations that come with the work. As you take steps toward the career you want, find the position that’s right for you on IntelyCare.