National Nurses Week: A Talk with Terrence Cassidy, RN, BSN, CCHP, Chronic Care Coordinator at the George W. Hill Correctional Center

West Caldwell, NJ May 8 -

Tell us about your work history and how you came to work in the correctional nursing profession?

When I was in college, I was a business major but I really didn’t know career path I wanted to follow. I graduated with a degree n Economics decided to pursue a career in law enforcement because I wanted to work in a social services related field. I worked as a full time police officer in southeastern Pennsylvania for 7 years. My career in law enforcement was unfortunately cut short when I suffered a serious pelvic fracture when I was struck by a motor vehicle while attempting to make an arrest. After two years of surgeries and rehabilitation, I was placed on an early medical retirement from the police department. I then decided to go to nursing school so that I could help others the way my surgeons, nurses, and physical therapists helped me. I decided to enter correctional nursing because I thought it was the perfect way to combine my law enforcement training and experiences with my nursing education.

What is your current role at the facility?

I am currently the chronic care coordinator at the George W. Hill Correctional Facility. I am responsible for coordinating all of the medical care for patients who are diagnosed with any type of chronic medical condition such as diabetes, seizures, cardiovascular issues, inflammatory bowel diseases, and lung diseases. We currently have approximately 450 patients in our chronic care clinic so it is a very busy and challenging position.

What are your biggest challenges working with a correctional population?

One of the biggest challenges working with a correctional population is usually the lack of primary care treatment with our patients prior to their arrival at our facility. Some of our patients have been using drugs and alcohol every day for a number of years and they haven’t been to a doctor’s office or medical clinic in over 15 or 20 years. The acuity level of these patients seems to be increasing year after year. Also, the lack of mental health treatment programs in the community is causing more and more mentally ill patients to end up in the correctional system.

What motivates you?

The biggest motivational factor for me is my fellow staff members. I work with a great group of doctors, physician assistants, nurse practitioners, nurses, medical records technicians, lab technicians, and correctional officers. All of my coworkers truly care about their patients and I feel that we are providing a valuable service to our underserved population of patients.

What is your most memorable experience working in corrections?

My most memorable experience working in corrections was approximately a year and half ago when the nursing staff and correctional officers worked together to save the life of a patient who went into cardiac arrest in our intake center shortly after his arrival at our facility. The nurses and correctional officers worked as a team, initiated CPR, and utilized an AED to save the patient’s life. That was a very gratifying experience.

What do you do for fun?

I like to travel, spend time at the Jersey shore, and go to concerts. I am looking forward to my upcoming trip to Key West, Florida!!!!