SN : First, you should know how to deal with inmates, which leads us to what we might refer to as the therapeutic communication.

TN : I feel ill-at-ease at the idea of dealing with prisoners.

SN : Well, being a professional nurse in correctional nursing practice includes being familiar with nurse-patient relationship, and also with the need for safety.

TN : What do you mean by that?

SN : Here we refer to effective communication, which is a gold-standard for the nursing practice in a carceral environment. Communication strategies should be grounded in empathy, respect, and active listening, but also authenticity and trust, which are essential.

TN : But, still I’m a bit usure about this notion of “effective” communication with prisoners. What does that consist in?

SN : Therapeutic communication involves a face-to-face interaction designed to enhance a patient’s overall well-being. Nurses utilize therapeutic communication skills to provide information and support to patients while maintaining neutrality and professionalism.

TN : Ok. What kind of strategies can we use to engage in therapeutic communication with an inmate patient?

SN : A range of techniques,...