Simulation: Introduction to Correctional Nursing in a Prison Setting

Simulation can be used to introduce students to critical nursing skills that reduce errors, enhance nurse-patient communication, and improve safety and security when caring for patients in the correctional setting. The interactive environment creates scenarios in a realistic fashion that include experiences that nursing students may encounter in a correctional facility setting, such as aggressive clients, gang-related activities, and noncompliant personalities. Orientation prior to entering the facilities is the key to safety, reducing student anxiety, and enhancing the student's ability to learn. The simulation scenario designed for the correctional setting provides an environment for the teaching and learning of correctional nursing skills and multidisciplinary collaboration. Scenarios are embedded with communication, safety, delegation, and critical thinking education goals. Student evaluations are assessed and reported.