Is this specialty right for you?

Not everyone is suited to correctional nursing. The work can be challenging but it can also be very rewarding - if it's the right fit for you. Here's what it takes to thrive.

Ability to be flexible and think on your feet

Nurses working in correctional settings need broad skills and good decision-making abilities to deal with the wide range of health issues they may encounter. You'll be involved in many different types of nursing, from routine procedures to triage and emergency response in volatile situations.

A mature understanding of human behaviour

It's important to see beyond someone's criminal record so the best possible support can be provided to every patient.

Part of your job will be to connect with inmates and listen to their stories. You may hear about wounds beyond the physical that have affected your patients' lives in many different ways - stories of trauma, poor choices and suicidal thoughts. You'll need to be able to build trust while setting boundaries and dealing with challenging personalities.

Eagerness to expand your skills

Correctional nursing is an ideal situation for nurses at the beginning of their careers, or experienced nurses who want to continually learn. The experience you gain may open doors to new areas of nursing and leadership.

This is an opportunity to grow in the areas of forensics, mental health, emergency response, public health, palliative care and more. Doing this work, you can expand your capacity for compassion, and become more skilled at helping vulnerable and marginalized people.

Mutually supportive

Working in a correctional setting, you'll be part of a larger interdisciplinary team. You'll work independently while supporting the other team members. Together, you'll help each other cope with the unique stresses of your work while celebrating the unique personal rewards.

Who thrives in this environment?

Nurses with emergency room or mental health experience
Nurses with several years of medical- surgical nursing experience
Recent graduates and practicum students seeking experience and mentoring in a broad range of nursing activities

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“I do believe the most important characteristic needed to work as a correctional nurse is to be non-judgmental. The second is to have a great sense of humour, as this can turn a situation around instantly.”

– Nurse at Winnipeg Remand Centre

“My biggest advice: It is NOT for everyone, but if the idea of working in correctional nursing interests you, please reach out to a corrections nurse and ask if they would recommend the job. I can honestly say that all my co-workers would say YES!”

– Nurse at Milner Ridge Correctional Centre

“Trauma, drug addiction, sexual transmitted disease and mental health issues present daily challenges. We must remain professional and rise to meet these issues.”

– Nurse at Brandon Correctional Centre

“You need excellent communication skills and the ability to say no to unreasonable requests or drug-seeking behaviours. You may deal with many inmates who are limited in their coping strategies and resilience, many who are very marginalized and others who can be very manipulative and conniving.”

– Nurse at Milner Ridge Correctional Centre

“In correctional settings, nurses work with victims of violence and abuse, and need to treat the trauma associated with the wrongs that have been done to them. Nurses also need to work with individuals who are perpetrators of violence and abuse to others. We need to be able to put this aside and provide non-judgmental care to all.”

– Nurse at Winnipeg Remand Centre

“The correctional nurse has much greater autonomy as medical doctors are not always onsite. The nurse triages all medical complaints and injuries, and responds to Code Red emergencies requiring rapid and accurate assessment and decision-making.”

– Nurse at Brandon Correctional Centre

“I thrive on change, and I’m passionate about addressing the many challenges faced by marginalized people in our society. Correctional nursing promises the unique opportunity to safely promote wellness in custody. You are part of a dedicated team of nurses who can care for clients for years before saying farewell as they reintegrate back into the community.”

– Nurse at Brandon Correctional Centre

“Becoming a correctional nurse may be for you if you are empathetic, non judgemental, and open to growing your nursing skills, as well as adapting to a harm reduction approach to care. I get great value out of empowering incarcerated youth about medical choices and sexual health.”

– Nurse at Manitoba Youth Centre