Introduction
The provision of health care to those who have been incarcerated in correctional environments provides an essential service for a vulnerable and at-risk group in the community (Condon, Gill & Harris, 2007). The reality for many people housed in correctional environments is far from the somewhat glamorous stereotypes portrayed in the media and popular culture. Often, the lives of people in prison have been impaired by chronic health problems, illiteracy, poverty, unemployment, homelessness and high-risk behaviours, such as unsafe sex, drug use and alcoholism (Australian Institute of Health and Welfare [AIHW], 2014; 2015; Bennett et al., 2010; Butler et al., 2008; Davidson, 2015; Hickey et al., 2014). The correctional population is extremely varied and complex, composed of male and female adults and adolescents, who are both the victims and perpetrators of crime (Norman & Parrish, 1999; Parahoo, 2010). For many, incarceration provides an opportunity for mental and physical health issues to be assessed and appropriate health care initiated (AIHW, 2014; Butler et al., 2008; Dinkel & Schmidt, 2014; Mills, 2014).
Stemming from the international frameworks developed by the World Health Organization (WHO, 2007), in Australia and New Zealand incarcerated individuals are expected to receive health care equivalent to that available in their community without discrimination (AIHW, 2014; Bennett et al., 2010). Therefore, correctional nursing provides an essential service in undertaking the assessment, planning and implementation of health care for incarcerated individuals (International Council of Nurses, 1998). Successful health interventions implemented during incarceration can mean that individuals return to the community with a more positive attitude to personal health and improved health status compared to when they entered custody (Dinkel & Schmidt, 2014; Mills, 2014).
Given the unique clinical environment and patient needs, correctional nurses are required to be equipped to have specific skills sets, knowledge and personal attributes, which vary from traditional nursing. In addition to the specific clinical skills, nurses are also required to possess both practical and theoretical knowledge of the workings of the criminal justice system, the function of the courts and health legislation (Bowring-Lossock, 2006).
Correctional health systems
Traditionally, health care staff working in correctional environments were employed as part of the correctional services workforce, and as a result worked in a hierarchical system similar to that of correctional officers (Smith, 2010).