When CorrHealth partnered with Comal County in 2019, Nelda joined our team as the Health Services Administrator (HSA). With more than 25 years of correctional healthcare experience, Nelda has served the people of Comal County since 1994. As a new nurse looking to begin her career, Nelda was encouraged by family members in law enforcement to apply at the Comal County Jail. “Maybe I’ll see what this is all about. In 1994, I stepped foot into the facility’s clinic, and I haven’t left” says Nelda. The most rewarding part for Nelda is helping others. Whether it is a one-time treatment or providing ongoing treatment to a patient, the impact being made is crucial. “It’s kind of like they trust you and they open up to you more.” Nelda describes every day as different and the myths about having a limited skill set couldn’t be further from the truth. “Correctional nurses see just about everything; in my opinion I think your skill set gets better in corrections.”

Nelda’s advice for nurses just joining the correctional healthcare field is to remember that all inmate patients are human beings, and everyone should be treated just as they would be in a clinic on the outside.  “The only difference is that they are in a secured environment. These people deserve the same care and respect.”

For information about open RN/HSA positions and other roles at CorrHealth, please visit our jobs page.