Professionalism is not only about individual behavior — it is also about belonging to the larger profession of nursing. Correctional nurses often work in isolation, and the specialty has historically been under-recognized. Strengthening professional identity requires connection, visibility, and participation in the broader nursing community.

Professional connection is a critical component of sustaining professionalism and identity in correctional nursing. Too often, correctional nurses hear dismissive remarks such as, “You’re not a real nurse, you just work in a jail.” These messages can undermine confidence and erode a nurse’s sense of belonging in the profession. Rejecting this stigma requires intentional effort, and it begins with embracing correctional nursing as a legitimate, specialized, and vital field of practice.

One of the most powerful ways to reinforce belonging is through professional organization membership. Joining groups such as the American Correctional Nurses Association (ACNA), the American Nurses Association (ANA), or other specialty organizations not only provides resources and continuing education but also connects correctional nurses to the larger nursing profession. These memberships affirm that correctional nursing is part of the broader professional community and ensure the specialty has a voice in national conversations.

Networking with peers further strengthens connection. Attending conferences, participating in webinars, and engaging in online forums allow correctional nurses to share challenges and successes, validate their experiences, and reduce professional isolation. These peer-to-peer interactions can provide encouragement, mentorship, and a reminder that correctional nursing is a respected specialty practiced by colleagues across the country.

Engagement in research and policy is another important avenue for connection. By publishing case studies, contributing to scholarly work, or advocating for policies that impact correctional healthcare, nurses ensure that their voices are represented in professional dialogue. This not only raises awareness about the specialty but also advances the quality of care delivered in correctional settings.

Finally, mentorship and preceptorship provide opportunities to build professional community from within. Experienced correctional nurses who mentor new colleagues strengthen their own sense of professional purpose while helping new nurses develop confidence and pride in their roles. This exchange reinforces belonging for both mentor and mentee, and it ensures that correctional nursing continues to grow as a recognized and respected field.

In short, professional connection in corrections is about rejecting stigma, affirming one’s identity as a nurse, and actively engaging in the broader professional community. By joining organizations, networking with peers, engaging in research or advocacy, and mentoring others, correctional nurses strengthen their collective voice and sustain pride in the important work they do behind the wall.

A correctional nurse feels isolated after colleagues at a community hospital dismiss her role as “security work.” Instead of internalizing the stigma, she shares her expertise by presenting at a local nursing conference about trauma-informed care in corrections. The result: increased respect for her work and recognition of correctional nursing’s value.

What professional organizations or networks do you currently belong to? How might deeper engagement with these groups reinforce your professional identity as a correctional nurse?