National Nurses Week: A Talk With Mary Carnell, RN, HSA, CCNM at CMRC

West Caldwell, NJ May 6 -

Tell us about your work history and how you came to work in the correctional nursing profession?

I graduated from nursing school and became a registered nurse in 1980. I then worked for 26 years in Level III trauma centers (emergency department) in the Dallas/Fort Worth, Texas area. I also was a Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner for 15 years, while in Texas. I then started my own business, while working as a fulltime supervisor in the ED. I taught classes for the Regional Police and Fire Academy, did new hire training for the local MHMR division, provided immunizations for the state wide Trinity River Authority (waste water management) and worked as a legal nurse consultant and expert witness.

In June of 2006, I retired and moved to Colorado Springs Colorado. After two months of “retirement,” I became restless. I began working at the Memorial Emergency Department, but was looking for a new challenge. I was then hired as a charge nurse in the infirmary at the Criminal Detention Center for El Paso County, Colorado. In January 2008, I was hired as the Health Services Administrator at Cheyenne Mountain Re-entry Center.

What is your current role at the facility?

I am the Health Services Administrator. I also am the backup facility PREA Coordinator, the facility ADA coordinator and I do training for annual refresher and new hires.

What are your biggest challenges working with a correctional population?

The biggest challenge is trying to overcome the attitude of some residents that feel that everyone is out to get them, no one cares how they feel, and no one wants their input. I usually spend time listening to their concerns and reassuring them that someone does care. When they arrive at CMRC, they are not familiar with a reentry program that requires them to participate and change their ways of thinking. They still have the “prison” mentality that it is “us against them”. They have not fully realized that at CMRC they are encouraged to participate in their treatment plans.

What motivates you?

The positive feedback I receive from not only my staff, but also from the residents, after they are released. I have had former residents call me to give me an update and their success stories are wonderful to hear. It reassures me that helping them to make positive changes does work.

What is your most memorable experience working in correctional medical treatment?

CMRC had a resident that had been admitted to the hospital and after his release to an infirmary he was transferred back to our facility. Unfortunately, he was gravely ill due to natural condition. He had to be sent out to the local ED again and I went with him and stayed by his side. He knew he was going to die and asked me if I would “be with him until the end.” I promised him I would and after he passed away, I stayed with him. When family cannot be with the residents, I feel it is extremely important that someone they know is with them.

What do you do for fun?

I enjoy hunting, ATV riding, hiking, camping and photography. I also love spending time with our 6 year old granddaughter.