“What is it like to be a Correctional Nurse?” —The DailyNurse Podcast

Part Three of a Three-Part Series

Sherry Cameron, a medical recruiter for correctional facilities across the US, recently wrote a post for DailyNurse as the first part in this Three-part series. (For part Two, see What to Expect as a Correctional Care Nurse). Now, she’s starring in the latest DailyNurse podcast, “What is it like to be a Correctional Nurse?”

Sherry Cameron, correctional facility recruiter for CoreCivic

Nurses in correctional facilities work so closely with other members of the healthcare team that Sherry describes it as a “family-oriented environment.” Often looking after inmates who have never received regular medical care, these nurses perform the usual nursing tasks such as administering medications, blood sugar checks, and tending to injuries incurred in the kitchen or carpentry shop.

Also, correctional facilities offer the opportunity to experience one of the most gratifying aspects of nursing. Corrections nurses act as educators for people who have rarely had any sort of relationship with a healthcare provider. Sherry recalls, “one nurse said to me that ‘it’s a very special moment when you see a patient come to tears because someone took the time to finally talk with them and educate them about their health.’ That to me is a true nurse at heart”.

In this episode of the DailyNurse podcast, you will hear Sherry discuss the character traits that she looks for in potential correctional nurses, the concerns they have when they first consider a career as healthcare providers in a correctional facility, advice for those interested in correctional nursing, and much more.

Certification is not required to be a nurse in correctional facilities, but getting certified always helps! Visit the National Commission on Correctional Healthcare to learn more about the field, and for details on how to become a Certified Correctional Health Professional [CCHP-RN].