*NEW* ACNA Member Spotlight! Deborah Shelton, PhD, RN, NE-BC, CCHP, FAAN

Thank you for your Leadership and direction as we get this new American Correctional Nurses Association off the ground and running! It has been a long time coming and your passion and persistence is noticed!

Cheers to you for your continued dedication to the Correctional Nursing Profession!

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Name: Deborah Shelton, PhD, RN, NE-BC, CCHP, FAAN

Work experience: In my early career I practiced in psychiatric settings.  As I furthered my education, I wanted to develop competencies that allowed me to integrate research, academia, and practice. My professional goal is to be an ‘integrated’ scholar.

Why you chose Correctional Nursing:  I found my way to Correctional Nursing through my patients who were no longer treated in mental health institutions but were shifted to the criminal justice sector. I recognized the social justice challenges that laid there.  I believe quality care can be achieved in any setting with effort through well-educated and resourced teams that address systems issues.

Why you stayed in Correctional Nursing:  The application of Benner’s Novice to Expert Theory helped me to recognize that becoming an expert is a process that takes time.  It takes self-reflection on my personal skill sets and a commitment to the fundamental beliefs that ground me in the nursing profession.

What you are most excited about ACNA?  Correctional nurses are the backbone of correctional healthcare.  What is missing is the mechanism for these nurses to collaborate to effect change for their patients and for themselves.  These men and women do amazing work at all levels of licensure and in diverse roles.  This is an opportunity to help the public and our nursing peers know us better, and to create a professional specialty workforce.