When Your Patient is a Prisoner
Correctional nurses need to have an understanding of the patient and what they have been through in order to practice effectively in the criminal justice system. Patients who are also prisoners have a unique set of characteristics and history that can affect their health and how they interact with healthcare providers.
In addition, patients in the criminal justice system are managed by correctional officers who also have a culture and perspective that must be considered when advocating for safe and effective healthcare.
This course explores the elements of the criminal mind that may affect the nurse-patient relationship and the nursing perspective that will result in an effective and fulfilling nursing practice in the criminal justice system. Attention is also given to key components of the power differential within the criminal justice system that affect patient advocacy and care delivery.
While this course mainly focuses on nursing practice in the criminal justice system, the information is helpful for nurses in all practice settings who come into contact with prisoner patients.
In addition, patients in the criminal justice system are managed by correctional officers who also have a culture and perspective that must be considered when advocating for safe and effective healthcare.
This course explores the elements of the criminal mind that may affect the nurse-patient relationship and the nursing perspective that will result in an effective and fulfilling nursing practice in the criminal justice system. Attention is also given to key components of the power differential within the criminal justice system that affect patient advocacy and care delivery.
While this course mainly focuses on nursing practice in the criminal justice system, the information is helpful for nurses in all practice settings who come into contact with prisoner patients.
Objectives
Upon conclusion of this course, participants should be able to:
- Describe the common experiences and backgrounds of prisoner patients.
- Explain the criminal lifestyle and how it affects nursing practice.
- Outline safe nurse responses to personality disorders.
- Identify positive ways to respond to medical contraband, restraints, and use of force in a correctional setting.
Curriculum
Chapter 1: Inside the World of a Prisoner
- A Bleak Background
- Harsh Living Conditions
- Trusting and Being Trusted
- Respecting and Being Respected
Chapter 2: The Criminal Lifestyle
- Not all Inmates are Criminals
- Conditions, Choice, Cognition
- The Inmate Subculture
Chapter 3: Manipulation and Malingering
- Reasons to Fake Illness
- Personality Disorders – What to Look For
- Protect Yourself from Manipulation
- Control the Situation
Chapter 4: Contraband, Restraints, and Social Justice
- What is Contraband?
- Medical Contraband
- Restraints
- Social Justice - Crimes Against Patients
- The Courage to Speak
- Course Summary
Chapter 5: References
Price: $24.00
Contact Hours: 2
Course Author
Lorry Schoenly
Lorry Schoenly, PhD, RN, CNE is a nurse author and educator specializing in the field of correctional health care. She has provided healthcare assistance and consultation for dozens of jails and prisons across the country on projects to improve professional nursing practice and patient safety.
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