Honoring America’s Correctional Nurses and Officers

National Correctional Officers Week and National Nurses Week overlap this year, a perfect opportunity to recognize these outstanding professionals – both separately, for the incredible work they do, and also together, for the way they collaborate in our nation’s jails, prisons, and youth detention facilities. Together, nurses and custody staff focus on health, safety, security, and helping others in need.

National Nurses Week (May 6–12)
In 1974, President Richard Nixon signed a proclamation officially recognizing nurses and their important role in the health of Americans. In the 50 years since this initial document was signed, the nursing profession has grown, and nursing responsibilities have expanded. The week of celebration ends on May 12, the birthday of Florence Nightingale, the founder of modern nursing.

Proclamation 4264 states, in part, “America has always honored those who serve society as nurses. In recent years, however, we have come to appreciate more than ever the complex and expanding role which nurses play in our health care system. Increasingly, the high quality of our nursing profession is making it possible for more Americans to enjoy better health services…For their dedication and for their constantly expanding skills, which are doing so much to improve the health of America, nurses merit the highest measure of personal and professional regard.”

This year’s theme, “Nurses Make the Difference,” honors the incredible nurses who embody the spirit of compassion and care in every health care setting – including the correctional environment.

National Corrections Officers Week (May 5–11)
Ten years later, President Ronald Reagan formally recognized the dedication of people working in the field of corrections. His proclamation was a significant step toward providing correctional professionals the respect and recognition they deserve. While that document is now nearly 40 years old, we can all agree that working in this field is more complicated and demanding than ever.

One of my favorite quotes from Proclamation 5187 states, “In recent years, the duties of these officers have become increasingly complex and demanding. They are called upon to fill, simultaneously, custodial, supervisory, and counseling roles. The professionalism, dedication and courage exhibited by these officers throughout the performance of these demanding and often conflicting roles deserve our utmost respect. The important work of correctional officers often does not receive the recognition from the public it deserves. It is appropriate that we honor the many contributions and accomplishments of these men and women who are a vital component of the field of corrections.”

Thank You!
During this week (or any time!), let’s all take a few moments to thank a nurse and an officer. A simple smile or a kind word can sometimes make a big difference in a challenging day. Without nurses and custody staff working together to keep incarcerated individuals safe and healthy, all of society would suffer. It’s time to celebrate these unsung heroes for their important contributions.

Fred Meyer, MA, CJM, CCHP, is managing director of NCCHC Resources, Inc., NCCHC’s consulting subsidiary.