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Publications & Resources > The Standard > March 2006

   Last modified: March 2006

The Standard of Care

Recently , Sonya Gillet , RN, faced one of the most challenging situations she has encountered as a nurse in a correctional facility.

Sonya, who has been the health care coordinator at a maximum-security jail in south-western Ontario since 1997, advocated for an inmate who was incarcerated for a minor offence that resulted from what was deemed his “bizarre behaviour.”

“My assessment of his history revealed that he had been diagnosed with a cancerous brain tumour, but he hadn’t attended tests or appointments for treatment. His health problems were causing him to make unusual decisions, including an extreme preoccupation with his diet which led to a weight loss of 80 pounds in six months,” says Sonya. “He clearly did not belong in jail; he needed to be in hospital. I referred him to our facility physician and psychiatrist and sought the assistance of a court support worker from the Canadian Mental Health Association.”

The fear that Sonya felt for her client turned to hope when he was admitted to hospital under a Form 1 and given a substitute decision-maker. “He is still in a medical facility receiving treatment and has gained 10 pounds,” says Sonya. “I’m happy to see that my persistence paid off.”

Sonya works with an adult male population of about 50 inmates and is the primary nurse on duty. “Correctional nursing is a non-traditional and unique working environment; our clients have very different needs compared to clients in other settings,” says Sonya. “We practise in accordance with College standards, but we have also been trained to keep security a priority while performing the job in a safe and effective manner for all concerned.

“Trust between inmates and staff is difficult to initiate but does exist when you treat inmates with respect, regardless of the choices they have made. Nurses are respected by most inmates as they recognize that we are here to help them. Being a caring and consistent caregiver and taking the time to listen and explain your decisions clearly makes a difference.”

At the College of Nurses, the phrase “The Standard of Care” is more than just a tag line for the logo; it is about setting the bar for safe, effective and ethical nursing care through the practice standards and guidelines. This page features nurses who have raised the standard of care they provide to their clients.

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