Thanking Correctional Nurses

May 3, 2023

By Danielle Jimenez (email) DOC Communications

Approximately 460 nurses provide the majority of medical care needed for the individuals incarcerated in Washington State Department of Corrections (DOC) facilities.

Josephine and Rebecca Clemmer are two incarcerated individuals at Washington Corrections Center for Women (WCCW), that have had a lot of interaction with the nurses, and say they are so grateful for their experiences with them.

“I love these nurses, they help you no matter what the subject is,” said Josephine, who is almost 90 years old and lives in the In-Patient Care Unit (IPU Unit) at WCCW. “They are compassionate, they are loving. I’ve never seen a bunch of ladies that have more love and compassion for the other person. There’s nobody in the world like these nurses here.”

Rebecca Clemmer agreed with Josephine. Rebecca explained when she had been sick, a nurse came to wish her a happy birthday, even though she hadn’t told any of the nurses it was her birthday.

“I think the nurses should know that, even in a prison setting that we value them,” Clemmer said. “They do a great job; they do an excellent job. I just want them to know that they work hard, and we appreciate that.”

Clemmer and Josephine wished all nurses, especially corrections nurses, a huge thank you for National Nurses Month.

“I would love to give these nurses a special thank you, because they always are there when you need them,” Josephine said.