Browsing by Author "Dhaliwal, Kirnvir Kaur"

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    The Implementation of Correctional Nursing Practice in Alberta: A Grounded Theory Study
    (2020-08-10) Dhaliwal, Kirnvir Kaur; Hirst, Sandra P.; King-Shier, Kathryn M.; Kent-Wilkinson, Arlene E.
    Introduction: In three Canadian provinces, offenders in provincial custody receive healthcare services from health authorities, rather than correctional services. Alberta made the care transition to the health authority in 2010. The governance of correctional healthcare services by health authorities, and not the correctional services, may be advantageous as healthcare professionals are possibly less likely to experience tension between corrections (custody) and health (caring) priorities. There is uncertainty about if and how this tension between custody and caring still exists and is experienced by Canadian registered nurses (RNs) practicing in provincial custody with healthcare governance by health authorities. Therefore, the aim of this doctoral research was to study how RNs implement their nursing practice in the Alberta provincial custody correctional system. Method: Straussian grounded theory approach was used. Simultaneous data collection and analysis were undertaken using theoretical sampling, constant comparison, and memo writing. RNs (n = 13) engaged in semi-structured telephone interviews, focused on the experience of implementing their correctional nursing practice and providing nursing care to offenders. Data were collected until saturation occurred. Analytic coding (open, axial, and final theoretical integration) was performed to identify the core category (Caring Behind Bars) and its six subcategories around which the substantive theory was developed. Findings: The theory of Caring Behind Bars refers to the process of how RNs implemented their correctional nursing practice to care for the offender population. RNs possessed a foundational stance regarding what nursing practice means to them in general. Upon entering the correctional context, RNs experienced tension between custody and caring. RNs engaged in adaptability and advocacy to address this tension and access the offender population. The provision of care required RNs to take numerous actions – interactions to provide care to offenders. The consequences of Caring Behind Bars were challenging and positive outcomes. Significance: The research resulted in the development of foundational knowledge to advance Canadian correctional nursing practice and offered potential insights into promoting offender health.