As a leading nursing agency in the UK, we specialise in prison nursing and work with both experienced prison nurses and nurses from different backgrounds who are interested in transitioning to the criminal justice sector. With flexible full and part-time opportunities available across all types of prisons in both England and Wales, you can choose which environment best suits your skill set and interests.
As well as matching you with the right role, we can help you to gain the necessary general clearance, a requirement for nurses looking to work in the majority of prisons in England and Wales and which takes around six months to achieve. While you wait, we will work with you on your career progression to explore what development and assignment opportunities exist that will prepare you for your transition to the criminal justice sector. If you have a specific area of interest, our expert prison nursing team is always on hand to take you through your options and guide you through the process.
For nurses who are curious about what to expect from a career in prison nursing, we can arrange shadow days where you'll be able to gain valuable first-hand experience before you plan changes to your career path.
Click on the following links to learn more about prison nursing at Medacs Healthcare:
To register for our prison nursing roles, you will need to meet the following requirements:
Prison nursing is a highly rewarding career that allows you to work with patients from a variety of backgrounds throughout society. As specialists in placing prison nurses, we pride ourselves on finding the ideal candidate to suit every role we offer. To succeed, you will need to be a fully qualified registered nurse, ideally with a background in acute primary care, critical care (A&E nursing), GP surgeries, community nursing or mental health. Experience and specialist skills in areas such as assessment, triage, secure or forensic environments are also advantageous.
To succeed in this role, you must be able to work free from judgement and to the highest levels of clinical standards. An understanding and knowledge of general healthcare are required along with the ability to signpost patients to external services when needed. Our nurses have pointed out a likeness to practice nursing as you establish ongoing relationships with patients in diagnosing and treating short and long term illness. Ideally, you will have an interest in learning about or had previous involvement in specialist clinics for areas such as smoking cessation and sexual health.
Other key skills include flexibility, organisation and the ability to multitask.
If you feel you that your skills match our description, a career in prison nursing with Medacs Healthcare is tailor-made for you.
In addition to having a dedicated prison nursing team that fully understands how you like to work, there are many more reasons to join the Medacs Healthcare family. These include:
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Profession: |
Prison Nurse |
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Governing body: |
NMC |
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The role: |
Prison nurses play a crucial role in delivering care and support to residents from all walks of life, and no two days are ever the same. Playing a similar role to a general practice nurse, prison nurses are expected to perform a variety of duties including obtaining blood samples, treating and dressing wounds, attending emergencies and carrying out regular health screenings. |
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Core skill: |
As a prison nurse, you must possess exceptional judgement, excellent communication and interpersonal skills and an ability to resolve conflict in a timely and efficient manner. A background in acute primary care, critical care (A&E nursing), GP surgeries, community nursing or mental health nursing is also preferable. In addition, you will also require the following skills:
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Common working environments: |
There are a number of environments in which prison nurses may be required to work. These include open prisons, maximum security units, women’s prisons and young offenders’ institutions, many of which can involve working in confined environments. The nature of the role is ever-changing and can bring nurses into contact with volatile patients. |
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Typical team set up: |
Prison nurses are required to work closely with general practitioners and fellow nurses within a prison environment, so being a team player is crucial. Working alongside pharmacists, psychological therapists and prison staff is also common but does depend on the role. |
Want to learn more about prison nursing? Read our prison nursing blog series:
Contact Our Prison Nursing Team
To enquire about our prison nursing opportunities or to learn more about the support we can offer you, contact our prison nursing team via email or call 0800 442 207 during office hours. Alternatively, complete the form below:
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