As we get ready to celebrate National Nurses Week (May 6-12), I want to take a moment to express my profound gratitude for the incredible work we do every single day. Even though the rest of the nation sets aside a week for recognition, your dedication, expertise, and compassion deserves to be celebrated on a daily basis. Furthermore, the classification of nursing has no bearing on that fact that we are indeed professionals.

The correctional environment creates challenges that are not experienced by our fellow nursing colleagues, and it requires an immense amount of strength, critical thinking, expansive knowledge base and empathy. As the backbone of the clinical team, we must face challenges with grace and dignity while being a guiding light and source of hope and inspiration to our population in their most vulnerable moments.

When family and friends cannot be present, you are the ones finding solutions, holding hands and being an advocate for the best possible patient outcomes. What makes you a true hero is the ability to provide quality care and maintain an element of humanity within a carceral setting.

Please give yourself permission to take time to recharge and celebrate your accomplishments no matter how big or small they may seem. Additionally, use that time to reflect on the difference you make; remembering that you are loved, valued, and appreciated—not just for what you do, but for who you are.

Thank you so much for your tireless commitment, your unwavering resilience, and for bringing your heart to work every day.

Happy Nurses Week!

With deepest gratitude,

LaToya Duckworth, RN, BSN, MHA, CCHP-N
American Nurses Association Representative for NCCHC Board of Representatives