Press Releases

CMS Celebrates National Nurses Week

Company Hosts Variety of Activities Honoring RNs and LPNs in Annual Recognition Event

St. Louis - May 06, 2009

Correctional Medical Services, Inc. (CMS) is pleased to celebrate National Nurses Week with a variety of recognition events honoring its more than 3,000 RNs and LPNs across the country.

National Nurses Week is from May 6 – May 12 each year and is supported by the American Nurses Association to recognize the valuable contributions made by nurses each day. The theme for 2009 is Nurses: Building a Healthy America.

“Our nurses have an integral role in the provision of quality healthcare to the correctional population, and we are greatly appreciative of the dedication and hard work our RNs and LPNs provide in our more than 200 sites across the country,” said Chief Operating Officer Vickie Bybee. “We are proud to celebrate our talented nurses during National Nurses Week and applaud the admirable work of nurses not only in corrections, but throughout the healthcare field.”

CMS medical and behavioral health units will host a variety of activities during the week to thank nurses for their unwavering commitment to the correctional population. A number of sites have also elected to salute the entire healthcare staff during this time given the significant contributions made by every professional as part of a cohesive medical team.

Recognition events vary by location, but sample planned site activities include:

• Awards for honors such as "Best Teamwork", "Most Dependable", "Employee of the Year", and "Florence Nightingale Award"
• Special newsletter highlighting nurse accomplishments Healthy Nurse Day, Nursing Trivia Day, and Represent Your Nursing School Day
• Ice cream socials and luncheons
• Daily "YUM" schedule of food/snacks provided by management
• A “Take Me Out to the Ballgame Party” with facility staff Gifts and recognition events for all healthcare staff
• Featured employee excerpts describing how they entered the profession and why they have chosen to work in corrections
• SAY or “Sure Appreciate You” boxes for staff to contribute comments of appreciation for colleagues

As part of recognition efforts, CMS site managers also selected company gift items to be given to each member of their nursing team during Nurses Week celebrations.

"We thank our CMS Nursing Staff for sharing their skills and dedicating their lives to the care of others," said Mari Knight, Delaware Regional Director of Nursing and Nursing Leadership Council member. "This week's events are just a small token of appreciation for the high standard of nursing they provide and for making a difference every day."

About Correctional Medical Services, Inc (CMS)

Correctional Medical Services, Inc (CMS) is a nationwide leader in the provision of correctional healthcare services, offering a comprehensive suite of medical, dental, pharmacy and mental health services for the incarcerated population. CMS currently maintains a presence in 18 states and manages medical services for 10 statewide systems. More than 6,000 employees and independent contractors work with CMS nationwide. For more information, visit the CMS Web site at www.cmsstl.com.