NDCS Team Member Spotlight: Clinic Corporal Nate Adams

Starting a new job can be exciting. But it can also be a bit overwhelming sometimes, as you get adjusted to new rules and policies, new leadership and a new culture. For Clinic Corporal Nate Adams, he remembers how it felt to be ‘the new guy’ and get adjusted to the routine, incarcerated population and teammates. “There were a lot of different people to figure out.”

Four years later, Adams is still very happy going to work and is engaged in his career development at the Lincoln Correctional Center (LCC). “Overall, I love the job. I see myself here.”

Before joining the Nebraska Department of Correctional Services (NDCS), Adams installed office furniture. He decided to look for new career opportunities because there was no way to move up at his former place of employment to enhance his career. “Growing up, I always wanted to be in the criminal justice field. I was referred by a teammate who worked at the Nebraska State Penitentiary. I wanted to be a part of this team because I truly wanted to make a difference in inmates’ lives. I want to keep showing them the community cares about our incarcerated population and wants them to succeed.”

Behind the scenes, Adams explained how every day is different as the clinic corporal. He maintains safety and security inside the Lincoln Correctional Center (LCC) medical clinic. He does routine searches on individuals entering and leaving the clinic and monitors behavior while people are being treated. Adams also assists in communicating information between security, medical and mental health so all departments work together seamlessly. “The doctor sets the schedule every day. I’m there to make sure everything runs smoothly and is safe and secure for every individual who walks through the door. I assist with security for when our medical team conducts labs, diabetic care and handles medication distribution. I’m a part of security when the clinic holds flu vaccinations every fall and winter, and I make sure patients are in and out of the clinic at appropriate times throughout the day.”

Adams feels strongly about what he does and what he represents. He noted he has always wanted a job that challenges him, helps advance his career and gives back. Adams believes he’s found all of this at NDCS. “Being a corrections corporal can sometimes be viewed negatively in the eyes of an incarcerated individual and even to some people in the community. I truly want to be the bridge to that gap. I enjoy being the positive change for the men living at LCC so they can make the positive change in their own lives too.”