A correctional nurse has the same responsibilities as other registered nurses. The only variation is that these registered nurses are employed in correctional facilities such as juvenile centers, prisons, and detention centers. Their patients are usually the inmates or prisoners. Correctional nursing can be a rewarding career; even though many may think of it as being dangerous, but that’s not quite so. A correctional registered nurse does not form opinions on inmates. Correctional nurses only provide health care to inmates who need it. You may have to receive specialized medical training to work in a correctional facility. Here’s how to become a correctional nurse.
Job Description
Be aware of what the job description is before pursuing this career. Your duties will include the basics in performing care for the patient such as ensuring proper medical records are kept, assisting the doctor in the diagnosis and treatment of the patient, applying first aid measures and the administration of medicine prescribed by a doctor. Within the facility, you will work as part of a team and you will be supervised by a doctor.
Education
You must complete a nursing degree. There are three primary educational paths that you can take to enter the correctional nursing field. You can get a diploma from a nursing program, an associate’s degree or a Bachelor of Science degree. In addition, those who want to enter a nursing career will do so upon successfully passing a national exam for licensing. There are also advanced nursing careers that will need a master’s degree. As you can see, there are various nursing programs.
You can work as a correctional nurse if you are a certified nursing assistant (CNA), licensed practical nurse (LPN), a registered nurse (RN) or a clinical nurse specialist. However, each job is limited to the type of nurse training and education that you have received. (So you may be able to do different things as an LPN than as an RN or CNA.) You must be certified to become a correctional nurse. Certification for correctional nurses is obtainable at the National Commission of Correctional Healthcare. There are two levels of certification for this nursing job: basic level and advanced level. Your nursing certification implies that you are completely skilled and trained to work in correctional facilities.
Other Nursing Experience
Gather as much as six months nursing experience. Some employers will hire you without much experience, but if you have working experience in correctional nursing, you will be offered a higher job position in this specialized field. Your safety is important in a correctional institution. Therefore, measures are taken to ensure that you are safe.
In addition, correctional nurses are legally obligated to follow the rules of the facility. Consultations are made by the institution to ensure that proper guidelines are in place as it relates to medical treatment and supervision of the inmate. The court system can enforce a rule for the inmate to take medication that has been refused.
Job Outlook and Salary
The opportunities for correctional nurses are excellent. The medical profession is constantly growing as the demand increases due to continued technological advancement. As the prison system becomes populated, the need for correctional nurses is showing a rise in number. On average, salary for correctional nurses ranges from $52,000 to $77,000.
The job of a correctional nurse is very challenging, but can be quite rewarding. It allows you to meet the needs of individuals that society has “written off,” to some respect. You will be an agent of care and treatment to individuals, no matter what their status in society.