National Nursing Dialogue: Nursing and the Criminal Justice System
Registration is open for this free virtual event taking place on Sept. 25 from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
BC Mental Health and Substance Use Services (BCMHSUS) is offering a free virtual event on Sept. 25, 2025, from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. PDT. The event, National Nursing Dialogue: Nursing & the Criminal Justice System, is open to participants across Canada and will feature speakers from British Columbia, Alberta, and Australia.
The event is designed to deepen understanding of the many ways nursing intersects with the criminal justice system — from forensic hospitals and correctional settings to emergency departments, acute care, and community-based services.
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“This event will equip nurses with the knowledge and confidence to provide culturally safe, stigma-free, and evidence-informed care – improving outcomes whether patients are still in custody or navigating life post-release," says Neeta Nagra, director, Nursing Professional Practice, BCMHSUS (pictured at right).
By bringing together nursing schools, educators, students, and practicing nurses, the event will create space to explore culturally safe, trauma-informed, and clinically sound approaches to care for justice-involved individuals, while also encouraging participants to take these insights back to their own communities and apply them in ways that improve the quality of care provided to patients.
Here’s a sneak peek at some of the sessions you can look forward to:
- Crossing the Line: Navigating Boundaries in Secure Settings
- At the Crossroads: Clinical Practice and Mental Health Law
- Between Reflection and Action: Combating Implicit Bias and Supporting Client-Centered Care
We are especially excited to share that the event will feature an outstanding lineup of speakers and sessions, highlighting the expertise of professionals from diverse practice settings and regions. This gathering represents an opportunity not only to learn from leading voices in the field, but also to strengthen connections across the nursing community in Canada and beyond.
“This event offers a rare glimpse into what it’s like for nurses working in criminal justice system environments, showcasing the impact and fulfillment that comes with this meaningful and often overlooked area of practice,” says Neeta.
Learn more about the speakers, sessions, and more on the event website.