The Nebraska Department of Correctional Services (NDCS) is celebrating nurses across the state this week with a proclamation signed by Nebraska Governor Pete Ricketts. Nurses are instrumental within the NDCS family and take care of the incarcerated population’s medical needs day and night.

Ten years ago, NDCS Diagnostic and Evaluation Center (DEC) Registered Nurse Ann Harker was looking for a change from working in long-term care. A friend recommended working with the agency. Harker says she’s never looked back.

“I have learned a lot here and I’ve seen and treated a lot of different types of medical conditions,” said Harker.

Nebraska Correctional Officers and Teammates Week is special to Harker. She says she takes her role seriously and sees the positive difference the nurses make every day.

“We’re always taught to be a strong patient advocate and we’re going to work for that solution via medical, mental health or social problem,” she said. “We’re going to get them the help they need.”

The mission of NDCS is: Keep people safe. Harker says even still, there are a lot of misconceptions about being a nurse at a prison facility. A common question she gets, “if she’s ever afraid?”

“I always say no,” Harker said. “We have officers with us at all times and the inmates are usually very polite to us. You have to have good assessment skills.”

Harker says she loves her teammates as well.

“I enjoy the people I work with,” said Harker. “Our administration is very supportive of us and the people I work with are friendly. Together, we work very well together. If something isn’t done, then someone else will come in and help.”