Exploring scope of practice issues for correctional facility nurses in Montana

Area of Science:

• Nursing
• Public Health
• Criminology

Background:

• Correctional nursing presents unique challenges distinct from traditional healthcare settings.
• Understanding nurses' perceptions is crucial for improving practice environments.

Purpose of the Study:

• To explore Montana correctional nurses' views on autonomy versus scope of practice.
• To contrast correctional nursing with traditional nursing specialties.

Main Methods:

• Survey of correctional facility nurses in Montana.
• Analysis of responses regarding practice challenges and perceptions.

Main Results:

• 20% of nurses reported exceeding state scope of practice boundaries.
• Key differences identified in assessment and intervention processes.
• Safety is the highest priority in correctional nursing.
• Correctional nursing perceived to have a stigma.

Conclusions:

• Correctional nurses navigate autonomy and scope of practice challenges.
• The specialty requires a strong emphasis on safety and faces perception issues.
• Further research needed to address practice gaps and stigma.