Correctional nurses have just as tough a job as the corrections officers. They are one part security, one part ER nurse, one part primary care nurse and, sometimes, one part critical care nurse. We took to our Facebook page to find the best ways to recognize “You know you’re a correctional nurse when...” If you have something to add, post it in the comments!
Amy Pearl C When you walk into a 67 and the inmate is flopping on the floor and he looks at you and says, “Nurse! I’m having a seizure!”
Sandra Delva When an inmate is 47-years-old and his mother calls to find out why he did not get his meds.
Brett Ferguson When getting the middle finger means the patient is alert and oriented and moves all extremities and able to express self with gestures. No temors are noted.
Heather Bowers OC spray is part of your uniform.
Elaena Bennett You know how to assess someone going through drug/alcohol withdrawals just by looking at them and score the severity.
Carol Smith Your patient is in leg chains!
Daniel Ettinger You know you’re a correctional nurse when you give an hypochondiriac inmate water from the “filtered water tap.”