Media
Correctional Nurse Named among
The Top 50 Women Chief Nursing Officers of 2025
Heather Norman, Chief Nursing Officer, Wellpath
As the most senior nursing leaders within their organizations, Chief Nursing Officers play a pivotal role in shaping patient care, developing nursing teams, and guiding strategic decisions across health systems. These accomplished professionals bring extensive clinical experience, advanced education, and exceptional leadership to the role. They are trusted voices for nursing within executive teams, responsible for maintaining care standards, launching system-wide initiatives, and driving improvements in quality and safety.
We are proud that one of our own has been included in this list!
Heather Norman is a highly experienced healthcare leader with over 20 years of dedication to the field. She began her career in healthcare as a Combat Medic during her active-duty service in the US Army. Norman currently serves as the Chief Nursing Officer for Wellpath, the premier provider of localized, high-quality, compassionate care to vulnerable patients in challenging clinical environments. She provides executive leadership and strategic direction for nursing services at over 330 facilities in 37 states.
Norman is passionate about understanding and addressing social determinants of health and advocating for both nurses and patients. As president of the American Correctional Nurses Association, she is a strong advocate for the specialty of correctional nursing and works to advance its professional recognition through research, education, and advocacy. She is currently part of a team collaborating with the American Nurses Association to update the fourth edition of the Scope and Standards of Practice for Correctional Nursing. She has presented at conferences and published research throughout her career. Her passion and overarching goal are to partner with stakeholders to strengthen the quality of nursing care for incarcerated patients and to use her voice to advocate for those who cannot easily be heard on their own.
Norman earned a Master of Science in Clinical Nurse Leadership from the University of Virginia and a Master of Business Administration with a concentration in Healthcare Administration from the University of North Carolina Wilmington. She holds certifications as a Certified Correctional Healthcare Professional Registered Nurse, Nurse Executive Board Certified, and Clinical Nurse Leader.
Celebrating Nurses Week 2025
Deborah Shelton on 3.5% Rule
New Co-Chair of the NCCHC Nursing Advisory Council
Jan 27, 2025 Deborah Shelton, PhD, RN, CCHP
Named New Co-Chair of the NCCHC Nursing Advisory Council
NCCHC is pleased to announce the appointment of Dr. Deborah Shelton, PhD, RN-C, CCHP, as the new Chair of the Nursing Advisory Council and volunteer Nursing Accredited Provider Program Director.
In this role, Dr. Shelton will ensure that all NCCHC educational activities offering continuing nursing education credits comply with the rigorous standards set by the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC).
Dr. Shelton will co-chair the NAC with Patricia Blair, PhD, JD, CCHP-RN, CCHP-A, chair of the NCCHC
Governance Board.
NCCHC - Discover a Career
in Correctional Nursing
ACNA Recognizes Our Innovation
Laura Stanley gave permission for us to post her opening remarks for the NCCHC Spring Conference. She is a shining example of why we serve individuals who are incarcerated.