Correctional nurses may experience a conflict between their practice and the security-focused work environment, resulting in stressful situations or feeling that they must prioritize their practice over the work setting. Sometimes nurses alter their practices, believing it is acceptable to do so because of the correctional setting. However, this places patient safety at risk and jeopardizes the nurse's legal and ethical responsibilities.

Educational Objectives

• Review the American Nurses Association's Code of Ethics
• Name three areas of potential conflict with nursing ethics in the correctional setting
• Discuss two strategies to use in identifying and resolving ethically fraught situations

Level:Intermediate