May 2026 Honoree
Allen Diaz, RN
Buckingham Correctional Center houses an adult male population and has had struggles recruiting nursing and phlebotomy staff. Over the course of several months, there was a significant increase in behaviors, including assaults and fires in the cells, which made for an unsafe work environment. However, when called, Allen Diaz did not hesitate to leave his home site to assist at Buckingham on multiple occasions.
RNCA Diaz was instrumental in providing RN coverage at this site by assessing patient needs and managing the clinic. He worked solo in the clinic and treated patients without any complaints. He engaged in professional dialogue with both staff and the patient population, which helped de-escalate situations. When he responded to RHU, the scene was chaotic, the patients were yelling from their cells, and the room was smoke-hazed. He remained calm, waited patiently for security to secure the scene, and communicated effectively with Security. He handled every situation presented to him calmly and efficiently. He returned to the medical department, worked one-on-one with the provider, and carried out stat lab orders with ease. This may sound easy, but in an emergent situation with multiple distractions, it can be hard to focus. This was also impressive, because this was not his home site and he was among peers that he had never worked with....but you would have never known he was not a member of the Buckingham Team.
On the same day, another medical emergency required an immediate response to the housing unit; upon arrival, the patient was incoherent and alert but not oriented to place, time, or situation. RNCA Diaz's knowledge, skills, and critical thinking were crucial in getting the patient care quickly. Nurses are responsible for providing quality care, but it is a true gift to be in the presence of a nurse leader who exhibits such a high level of work ethic and competence. Not only was he one of the last nurses to leave for the day, but he also asked if there was anything else he could help with. Any patient or colleague is fortunate to work with a nurse with these extraordinary characteristics. Yes, even after a tough day, he still came back to help the Buckingham Team. This is what correctional nursing is all about: showing up for your team!
RNCA Diaz was instrumental in providing RN coverage at this site by assessing patient needs and managing the clinic. He worked solo in the clinic and treated patients without any complaints. He engaged in professional dialogue with both staff and the patient population, which helped de-escalate situations. When he responded to RHU, the scene was chaotic, the patients were yelling from their cells, and the room was smoke-hazed. He remained calm, waited patiently for security to secure the scene, and communicated effectively with Security. He handled every situation presented to him calmly and efficiently. He returned to the medical department, worked one-on-one with the provider, and carried out stat lab orders with ease. This may sound easy, but in an emergent situation with multiple distractions, it can be hard to focus. This was also impressive, because this was not his home site and he was among peers that he had never worked with....but you would have never known he was not a member of the Buckingham Team.
On the same day, another medical emergency required an immediate response to the housing unit; upon arrival, the patient was incoherent and alert but not oriented to place, time, or situation. RNCA Diaz's knowledge, skills, and critical thinking were crucial in getting the patient care quickly. Nurses are responsible for providing quality care, but it is a true gift to be in the presence of a nurse leader who exhibits such a high level of work ethic and competence. Not only was he one of the last nurses to leave for the day, but he also asked if there was anything else he could help with. Any patient or colleague is fortunate to work with a nurse with these extraordinary characteristics. Yes, even after a tough day, he still came back to help the Buckingham Team. This is what correctional nursing is all about: showing up for your team!
Thank you, Allen, for your exceptional compassion, advocacy, and dedication to your patients. You truly make a difference.
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