Correctional nursing

Work has been plain crazy the past week.  Last night at work we were talking about the difference between our shift of nurses vs the other three shifts. Even custody has stated that they prefer working with us, it got us talking about why that is and what makes a nurse "a nurse".  There tends to be a few key things that stuck out, like straight skills, compassion, empathy, serving attitude, basically all about helping someone who can no longer take care of themselves. But in the line of corrections, what is the difference? I think it has to do with being able to see past the crime and realize that they are still humans with love ones out there. Can you look at a group of criminals and know one person is there for murder, one for rape, one for killing a innocent child, one for larceny, one for failure to pay child support, one for drunk in public, one for possession of narcotics with intention to distribute, one for burglary, one for a terrorist attack....can you know all of these peoples reason for why they are locked up and treat every one the same? While remaining professional, empathetic, but at the same time realize the majority is lying about their medical problems because they are drug seeking. Where manipulation is rampant, drug detoxing is a daily part of life while pregnant, and of course the standard high blood pressure, seizures, mental health, wound care, med passes, pregnancy complications, oh and of course cussing is of the norm...and don't forget safety and security in the back on your mind. It's a lot of triaging and emergency care. That in a nutshell is what a correctional nurse does. That is my job.