May 6 - 12 is National Nurses Week and the Department of Corrections celebrates the immeasurable contributions nurses make to the delivery of health care in our system.

Nurses are the backbone of the MDOC’s health care delivery system. Of the 1,165 Bureau of Health Care Services positions, nearly 600 are nurses. MDOC nurses provide care to prisoners with a wide range of medical and mental health disorders. On a daily basis they must care for prisoners with chronic illnesses, such as heart and pulmonary diseases, diabetes, HIV and Hepatitis C.

"We’re incredibly proud of our nurses," said Director Patricia L. Caruso. "They display professionalism and commitment under very difficult circumstances."

MDOC nurses encounter challenges unlike those found in the community. They are often the only health care professionals available at a facility.

"Correctional nurses are able to practice nursing more independently and at a higher level than in the community" said Terry Malloy, MSN, Regional Health Administrator for Region I.

"We absolutely could not achieve our mission without the hard work of our dedicated nursing staff" says Richard Russell, Administrator of the Bureau of Health Care Services. "The nationwide nursing shortage only emphasizes the importance of the role nurses play in our system. Correctional nursing usually is not the first choice for graduating nurses, and those that choose this non-traditional setting usually demonstrate an energy and enthusiasm on the job."

National Nurses Week is celebrated throughout the United States, beginning May 6 and ending on May 12. May 12 is the birthday of Florence Nightingale, who is considered the founder of modern nursing.

Michigan Department of Corrections FYI 05-13-04