In honor of National Nurses Week, observed May 6-12, 2024, the Deputy Director of Nursing Services Barbara Barney-Knox issued the following letter of appreciation.
National Nurses Week 2024: Nurses make the difference
It is a great honor to represent nurses and to celebrate another year of phenomenal performance. As a society we revel with your praises. We marvel at your kindness and everlasting inspiring character.
Through caring hearts, with endless caring, compassion and determination ensuring high quality patient care is your priority.
Nurses create the clinical experience, providing education, patient advocacy, and family support. Better known as the backbone of the clinical profession. Whether working alongside medical, mid-level or certified clinical staff, you as the nurse are at the center, the conduit that connects the whole person care.
Your job is demanding on every level. You are diligent about the care you provide and the work to find solutions to problems affecting patients, your healthcare teams, and the organizations. Being relentless, empathetic, responsive, and dependable are simply who you are. It is the human dignity and integrity reflected through your actions with your patients and their families in providing ethical and quality care.
As we celebrate Nurses Week, please know the loyalty and professionalism demonstrated on a daily is recognized throughout the community as you are highly valued for your commitment in providing excellent service. As nurses, striving to improve knowledge through coursework, practice and studying supports the goal in providing excellent support and patient care. Nurses Make the Difference.
Thank you for putting yourselves on the front line and for all of the long hours and devoted work. It is with gratitude, appreciation, that we say, “Thank you.”
“Nurses dispense comfort, compassion, and caring without even a prescription,” Val Saintsbury.
Barbara Barney-Knox, MBA, MA, BSN, RN
Deputy Director, Nursing Services
California Correctional Health Care Services
See more awards and appreciation stories.
Follow CDCR on YouTube, Facebook, X (formerly Twitter). Listen to the CDCR Unlocked podcast.
Related content
RJD celebrates 2026 staff appreciation week
Richard J Donovan (RJD) Correctional Facility celebrated employees with a vintage-themed 2026 staff appreciation week. The vibrant staff celebration ran…
Governor honors 13 CDCR staff at State Employee Medal of Valor
At the State Employee Medal of Valor ceremony held June 12, there were 13 CDCR staff members honored for their…
SCC Officer Masterson named Angels‑Murphys Officer of Year
Sierra Conservation Center (SCC) Correctional Officer Masterson was named the Angels-Murphys Rotary Club of California Officer of the Year. The…
CRM Heather Duarte earns CIF coaching honor
Calipatria State Prison Community Resources Manager (CRM) Heather Duarte has devoted over three decades to coaching, mentoring, and inspiring student-athletes.…
LAC acting Fire Captain Diaz honored for saving child’s life
California State Prison-Los Angeles County (LAC) acting Fire Captain Jose Diaz was honored during a recent ceremony after saving a…
Kern Valley State Prison celebrates Nurses Week 2026
Kern Valley State Prison (KVSP) in Delano recently celebrated Nurses Week 2026 with food, fun and entertainment. According to organizers,…