This session explores  the concept of secondary gain within correctional settings and its impact on nursing and mental health practice. Participants will examine how symptom exaggeration and secondary-gain influenced presentations can emerge in response to environmental incentives. Emphasis is placed on ethical assessment, interdisciplinary collaboration, and strategies for balancing compassionate care with clinical judgment while maintaining safety, boundaries, and therapeutic integrity in jail-based health care. 

Educational objectives:

• Identify key indicators of secondary gain, symptom exaggeration, and behavioral manipulation 
• Apply ethical, trauma-informed assessment strategies to differentiate clinical need from incentive-driven presentations 
• Implement strategies that emphasize interdisciplinary communication and reduce reinforcement of maladaptive behaviors

Level: Basic