The specialty practice of correctional nursing is growing to meet the healthcare needs of over 2.3 million inmates in US prisons. This introductory text is the only one to comprehensively address the nursing care of the inmate-patient population. It is based on the requirements of the newly developed certification in correctional nursing, and will serve as a thorough study guide for this exam. It will also be useful as a quick reference for novice and experienced correctional nurses. The text describes the unique environment of the prisons jails and other correctional settings where health care is not considered a primary mission. It examines the abundance of ethical and legal issues to be considered along with issues of safety for nurse and patient. Common health care concerns and diseases prevalent among the inmate population are described, including alcohol and drug withdrawal, chronic diseases, dental conditions, end of life and palliative care, concerns specific to female inmates and juvenile offenders, and more. The book also covers systems and processes for effective delivery of nursing care within the corrections environment, and professional roles and responsibilities. Key Features: Provides core principles and practices of correctional nursing. Serves as a study guide for correctional certificate courses and as a review course for correctional nursing specialty exam. Includes key nursing assessments and actions for common conditions. Promotes critical thinking with case studies in each chapter. Features comments from corrections clinical experts in jails, prisons, and juvenile detention centres.