Careers in Correctional Health Care
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Why Work in Correctional Health Care? Hear From the Field.
Working in Correctional Health Care: Surprisingly Interesting, Challenging, and Rewarding
Providing mental or medical health care in a jail or prison may seem like a strange path for your career. The thousands of people who work in correctional health care are dedicated professionals who care for an underserved population. They care for people who may never have had access to care prior to incarceration and are making a difference every day.
Learn Why You Might Have a Place in Correctional Health Care
Serving the Underserved
Many incarcerated individuals have not had access to health care. You will see complex cases, conditions that have gone untreated, and complications from substance use and mental illness. There are close to two million incarcerated people in the United States and 7 million enter jail annually. You have the opportunity to provide meaningful, evidence-based care that is sorely needed.
Variety
As a medical or nursing professional in the community, your patients and their concerns may start to seem repetitive. In correctional health care, you will see patients of all ages with multiple health problems that need to be managed simultaneously. In one facility, you will use many skills (from chronic care to trauma/triage) and have exposure to almost every specialty. Your diagnosis, assessment, and critical thinking skills are critical to determine the best course of treatment and how to prioritize competing needs.
Make a Difference in Your Community
When compared to the general population, people who are incarcerated are more likely to have high blood pressure, asthma, cancer, arthritis, and infectious diseases, such as tuberculosis, hepatitis C, and HIV. You will help stabilize these patients and connect them to treatment in the community upon discharge, possibly changing health outcomes for the rest of their lives.
No Insurance Companies
Many physicians and clinicians are exhausted by negotiating with insurance companies for care their patients need and burned out by the paperwork. While jails and prisons have formularies, there is only one set of guidelines. In addition, specialty care can be negotiated with facility leaders based on medical need.
Change Lives
Many incarcerated patients have never been taught healthy habits or learned positive ways to cope with stress. As a clinician, or just as a positive role model, you will help these individuals take responsibility for themselves and their health. Most are highly appreciative of your work, and you’ll be able to track their progress.
Career Opportunities
Each day in corrections, you’ll work with a multidisciplinary team. Larger facilities have a variety of needs and career advancement, even at a lower level of experience, is a real possibility. Whether you are looking to advance in health care leadership or clinical operations, there is a space and path for you.
How to Get Started
A quick internet search for correctional health careers will reveal the many companies and agencies recruiting for full-time positions, as well as staffing companies offering long-term and short-term assignments.
Become a Certified Correctional Health Professional
The CCHP credential shows your mastery of NCCHC standards and your ability to apply them to support the quality of patient care. It’s a signal to the field that you are committed to correctional health care as a career. You’ll gain credibility with colleagues with this tangible evidence of your expertise. Learn More
Who Works in Correctional Health Care
Correctional health care encompasses a variety of medical and mental health services provided to individuals in correctional facilities, such as jails and prisons. These services are crucial for maintaining the health and well-being of incarcerated people, many of whom come from underserved communities and may have had limited access to health care prior to jail or prison. The typical jobs in this field range from direct patient care roles to administrative and support positions, all of which are integral to the functioning of a comprehensive correctional health care system.
Correctional Nurses: These professionals are often the frontline providers of health care in correctional facilities. They perform routine health assessments, administer medications, and respond to medical emergencies. Correctional nurses also manage chronic illnesses and provide education on health maintenance and disease prevention. They work in a unique environment where safety protocols are paramount, requiring them to be vigilant and adaptable.
Physicians, Physician Associates, and Nurse Practitioners: These professionals diagnose and treat a wide range of physical ailments in correctional institutions. They conduct regular medical examinations, manage chronic conditions, and provide acute care. Given the high prevalence of infectious diseases, substance abuse, and mental health issues in correctional settings, these practitioners must be well-versed in these areas. They often work closely with correctional nurses to develop and implement treatment plans.
Mental Health Professionals: Psychiatrists, psychologists, counselors, therapists, and licensed clinical social workers play a crucial role in addressing the mental health needs of the incarcerated. They provide individual and group therapy, crisis intervention, and substance abuse treatment. Mental health professionals also conduct assessments to identify people with severe mental illnesses and develop appropriate treatment plans. Their work is essential for promoting mental well-being and reducing the risk of self-harm and suicide among the incarcerated population.
Dental Care Providers: Dentists and dental hygienists in correctional facilities offer essential oral health services, including routine cleanings, fillings, extractions, and emergency dental care. Dental health is often neglected in the general population, and this neglect can be even more pronounced among the incarcerated. Providing dental care helps prevent infections and other complications that can arise from poor oral hygiene.
Pharmacy Technicians: These professionals assist in the preparation and distribution of medications within correctional facilities. They ensure that residents receive their prescribed medications accurately and on time, which is critical for managing chronic conditions and acute illnesses. Pharmacy technicians work under the supervision of a licensed pharmacist and adhere to strict protocols to prevent medication errors.
Administrative and Support Staff: Correctional health care also relies on a range of administrative and support staff who handle scheduling, medical records management, and coordination of care between different providers. These roles are essential for maintaining the smooth operation of health services within the correctional system. They ensure that all necessary documentation is accurate and up-to-date, facilitating effective communication and continuity of care.
Working in correctional health care presents unique challenges, including the need for heightened security awareness and the ability to navigate complex ethical and legal issues. However, it also offers the opportunity to make a significant impact on a vulnerable and often overlooked population, providing essential health services that can improve overall outcomes and promote rehabilitation.