Chapter 26: Correctional Health Nursing

Grounded in the international Nelson Mandela Rules, correctional nursing involves a diverse range of practices across jails, prisons, healing lodges, and youth facilities. Professionals in this sector must balance the therapeutic goals of care with the rigid security mandates of the institution, often navigating the "Catch-22" of prioritizing health interventions within a custodial environment. The population served is frequently marginalized, experiencing higher rates of chronic illness, substance misuse, infectious diseases like hepatitis C and HIV, and complex mental health challenges compared to the general public. The chapter outlines essential levels of prevention, ranging from primary health promotion and immunizations to secondary screenings and tertiary reintegration planning. Specific attention is paid to vulnerable subgroups, including the "silver tsunami" of aging prisoners requiring palliative care, women needing trauma-informed reproductive services, and youth who often present with significant trauma histories. Furthermore, the text addresses the systemic overrepresentation of Indigenous people, advocating for culturally safe care that incorporates traditional practices and Elder involvement. Harm reduction remains a pivotal and sometimes controversial topic, with strategies like methadone maintenance and prison needle programs highlighted as vital public health measures that prevent disease transmission within both the facility and the broader community. Ultimately, successful correctional nursing requires robust interdisciplinary collaboration and a commitment to social justice to ensure continuity of care and successful community reintegration.