American Correctional Nurses Association

05/26/2026

We are happy to share a new research opportunity for Correctional Nurses! Please see the flyer below, and click the link to participate. Thank you for helping advance our unique specialty!

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSf3D26XhpnWTVVX1q9NcxLaakxQSaHp7cdNs_aUBBl2GbUcHg/viewform

05/06/2026

During National Nurses Week, May 6-12, 2026, we celebrate the Power of Compassion, the heart of correctional nursing.
Thank you for your unwavering dedication to your patients and for the compassion you extend to both those in your care and those you work alongside each day. In our environment, your advocacy, empathy, and support make a meaningful difference in the lives of those you serve and in the practice of correctional nursing. Your efforts are essential, often unseen, yet deeply valued. You demonstrate professionalism and humanity, and all that you do is appreciated.
Wishing you a meaningful Nurses Week filled with well-deserved recognition.
With gratitude,
The ACNA Board of Directors

04/15/2026

💙💛Help us shine a spotlight on the incredible work happening in correctional healthcare. LIKE. SHARE. FOLLOW!

Do you know an exceptional correctional nurse who goes above and beyond? Nominate them to be featured on ACA social media during National Nurses Week (May 6–12) 💙

✨ All nominees will be entered to win an ACA polo!

👉 Submit your nomination by April 24th
https://americancorrectionalassociation.jotform.com/260955912748065

04/09/2026

Evidence Matters in Correctional Nursing
Correctional nursing continues to evolve as a specialty, supported by growing research in areas such as workforce development, professional identity, and patient outcomes.

Applying evidence to practice helps:
• Improve care delivery
• Strengthen workforce strategies
• Support safe, effective systems

The American Correctional Nurses Association supports the integration of research into correctional nursing practice and leadership.

04/07/2026

World Health Day

This year’s World Health Day reminds us of the importance of trusted information, evidence, and shared knowledge in advancing health worldwide.

We want to hear from you:
💬 What’s a health fact that genuinely surprised you?

In correctional healthcare, access to accurate, evidence-based information is essential. It shapes how we deliver care, address health disparities, and support some of the most medically and socially complex populations.

Drop your surprising health fact below 👇

04/02/2026

You’re Not Practicing Alone
Correctional nursing can feel isolating, but it doesn’t have to be.

Connecting with other correctional nurses provides:
• Shared knowledge and experience
• Professional support
• Opportunities for collaboration and leadership

The American Correctional Nurses Association exists to bring correctional nurses together as a professional community. Join us today!
https://acna.nursingnetwork.com/membership/new

ACNA members may vote in elections, run for office, be chairpersons and members of ACNA committees, speak at meetings, and vote for changes to the By-Laws and procedures of the organization. Full ACNA membership is contingent upon the payment of dues annually.

03/30/2026

The Correctional Nursing Workforce Matters

Correctional healthcare systems depend on a stable, prepared, and supported nursing workforce.
Challenges such as turnover, onboarding gaps, and workforce strain impact not only staff, but also patient care and system outcomes.

Supporting correctional nurses through education, professional development, and leadership is essential to building sustainable systems. The American Correctional Nurses Association advocates for strategies that strengthen the workforce and support nurses across all correctional settings.

03/29/2026

03/26/2026

Research Spotlight: Health Needs of Justice-Involved Youth

Youth involved in the juvenile justice system experience significantly higher rates of physical and behavioral health concerns than their peers in the community. Research has found elevated rates of mental health disorders, substance use, trauma exposure, and unmet medical needs among justice-involved youth.

Correctional nurses working in juvenile facilities play a critical role in identifying these needs, providing treatment, and coordinating care with interdisciplinary teams focused on rehabilitation and long-term health outcomes.

Evidence like this continues to highlight the importance of specialized knowledge and training for nurses practicing in juvenile justice settings.

📚 Read more about the health needs of justice-involved youth with limited justice involvement here:

Although incarcerated youth (i.e., youth sentenced to secure custody) have high health needs, the health of detained youth with limited justice involvement remains poorly understood. Between September 2018 and February 2019, social workers from the ...

03/22/2026

Correctional nursing is far more than nursing practiced in a correctional setting—it is a specialty built on clinical expertise, ethical practice, and the ability to navigate complex healthcare systems within the justice environment.

Correctional nurses manage a wide range of healthcare needs including chronic disease, mental health, infectious disease, and public health concerns, all while balancing clinical care with the realities of secure environments.

As the profession continues to grow, education and awareness about the specialty are essential.

This short video by NCCHC offers an excellent overview of correctional nursing and the unique role nurses play in justice healthcare:

Learn about the benefits of a career as a nurse in a prison, jail, or juvenile detention facility.