August 2023

TDCJ Nurse Named “Nurse of the Year” by the American Correctional Association

The Texas Department of Criminal Justice (TDCJ) is proud to announce that Nurse Myra Walker has been named "Nurse of the Year" by the American Correctional Association (ACA) for her outstanding dedication and contributions to the field of Corrections.

“I want to extend my heartfelt congratulations to Myra Walker for this well-deserved honor. Ms. Walker’s unwavering commitment to providing the highest standard of care and compassion to her patients and this agency is a testament to her years of service as a leader both within the TDCJ and broader healthcare community,” Bryan Collier, Executive Director of the Texas Department of Criminal Justice said.

Walker's journey within the TDCJ is marked by her unwavering commitment to providing top-quality healthcare services. With a career spanning over 40 years, including 18 years with the TDCJ, Nurse Walker has consistently demonstrated compassion, professionalism, and excellence in her service to both inmates and her fellow healthcare professionals.

Walker described her emotions as shocked and humbled when learning of this recognition.

“I enjoy helping people and trying to make a difference in their lives. I also enjoy being able to provide the people that I encounter each day with the resources to help themselves,” Walker said.

Walker is a graduate of the University of Texas School of Nursing in El Paso, Texas, where she earned her Bachelor of Science in Nursing in 1975 and is a veteran after serving on active duty from 1981 to 1986. Walker continued her service in the Army Reserves/Inactive Reserves from 1986 to 2009. During this time, she received several awards including two meritorious service medals for her service as a pediatric nurse practitioner from 1984 to 1986 and a clinical nurse specialist during Operation Desert Shield/Storm in 1991. She is currently a member of the American Correctional Association and is active within her church.

For more information, please contact Hannah Haney, Deputy Director of Communications, at hannah.haney@tdcj.texas.gov or call 936-437-6052.