5 Misconceptions About Correctional Nursing
Correctional nursing is one of the most misunderstood specialties in healthcare. Despite offering critical care one of society’s most underserved populations, it’s often overlooked or misrepresented by those outside the field. Whether you're a nurse considering a new path or simply curious about what happens behind the walls, here are five of the most common misconceptions about correctional nursing and the truth behind them.
“Correctional nurses aren’t real nurses”
Correctional nurses care for one of the most underserved populations in the country¹, and the work they do matters. They are licensed and credentialed like their counterparts in hospitals or clinics. In fact, many jails are adopting an RN-centered workforce, since many of the everyday tasks done by a jail nurse fall under the scope of an RN or above.⁴ Correctional nursing is its own specialty, providing care to an underserved population with complex presentations.
People generally assume correctional nurses deal with injuries more than anything, making the jail seem more like a clinic than a hospital. The truth is, overall, patients in jail have a much higher medical need than those in the community.² Most people in jail have not received regular medical care due to cost, lack of access, or low health literacy, meaning jail nurses provide care to a population that otherwise may never see a health professional.¹
“All you do is hand out meds”
As a result of providing care to a vulnerable and underserved population, correctional nurses often catch unmanaged diabetes, serious infections, or mental health decline. Jail doctors rely on skilled nurses to triage and escalate cases appropriately. These improved health outcomes are associated with lower recidivism.³
“It’s a dangerous work environment”
Another myth is that correctional nursing is unsafe. In reality, corrections may be one of the most secure settings a nurse can work in. Nurses are generally accompanied by correctional officers during patient interactions and when moving through the jail.
Compare this to hospitals, where nurses may respond alone to combative patients in unsecured areas. In corrections, officers are in the room, ready to respond. Safety is paramount in correctional healthcare.
“You can’t really make a difference”
The work of a correctional nurse doesn’t just make a difference in the lives of their patients; it impacts the community as a whole. In a 2022 survey, a patient at a Michigan jail shared their detox experience:
“I came in a complete mess detoxing from fentanyl and was so sick. You all cared for me when I did not care for myself. I am forever grateful and will never forget how hard you all work in medical to take care of people.”
Even though you are working in a correctional setting, the truth is that you are still expected to be the advocate for the patient. Balancing care with custody can be complex, but correctional nurses remain ethically bound to work in the interest of their patients. They serve as a critical voice for patients in environments that prioritize security over care.
“There’s no room for growth”
This is a setting where nurses grow. There’s less handholding, more learning, and a lot of autonomy. In a hospital, nurses can call the doctor in to perform an evaluation and make a medical determination right away. However, doctors are not always on-site at a jail. That means nurses need strong clinical skills to assess patients, spot red flags, and communicate clearly with providers. Corrections encourages autonomy and nurse skill-building.
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Zhao, J. et al. (2024). Incarceration history and access to and receipt of health care in the US. JAMA Health Forum, 5(2). https://doi.org/10.1001/jamahealthforum.2023.5318
Carda-Auten, J. et al. (2022). Jail health care in the southeastern United States from Entry to Release. The Milbank Quarterly, 100(3). https://doi.org/10.1111/1468-0009.12569
Alsan, M. & Wang, C. (2025). The hidden health care crisis behind bars: A randomized trial to accredit U.S. jails (Working Paper No. 33357). National Bureau of Economic Research. http://www.nber.org/papers/w33357
Young, J. (2024). Advancing correctional healthcare: the imperative of lpn to rn advancement. Journal of Correctional Health Care, 30(6), https://doi.org/10.1089/jchc.24.03.0025
Disclaimer
All materials have been prepared for general information purposes only. The information presented should be treated as guidelines, not rules. The information presented is not intended to establish a standard of medical care and is not a substitute for common sense. The information presented is not legal advice, is not to be acted on as such, may not be current, and is subject to change without notice. Each situation should be addressed on a case-by-case basis. When in doubt, send them out!®
