My journey from prison nursing to academia and back again: We need to increase the workforce in the health and justice systems, especially in adult care.
I remember when I was in elementary school, my teacher told me and my parents that I would become a nurse one day. In secondary school, I picked out a book about the nursing profession as a reward, which we would present at the school assembly.
“I would like to tell my colleagues and students about my dream job in prison”
Lucy Doherty
Therefore, when I left school in 2001, the obvious decision was to become a nursing student.
During my studies, however, things took a slightly different turn and I completed a degree in criminological and forensic psychology.
During this time I was volunteering for a charity called the National Association of Care and Resettlement of Offenders (Nacro) and that’s where the spark ignited – I had to train as a nurse to care for patients in prisons.
After completing my degree, it was time to return to the nursing field, but as there is a common misconception that prison nurses all have mental health training, I continued to explore, as I wanted to meet their physical health needs.
Using the credits from my first university degree, I completed a two-year training course to become a state-certified adult nurse and, during this time, I completed my elective internship in a maximum security prison for men.
After completing my qualification, I took on a permanent position in the area in which I had completed my last placement: acute stroke.
I started working as a bank clerk in a women’s prison while I waited impatiently for a full-time job in the men’s settlement where I had done my elective internship.
Finally the day came, I was interviewed and started living my dream. I still remember the feeling during my first shift as a registered nurse when I locked the first gate behind me; this was where I was meant to be.
From checking new arrivals at the prison to sorting medications for those going to court or being released, each day was so varied.
I did my Masters in Clinical Practice while in prison and also gained my qualification as a prescribing pharmacist. From then on, I was driven by a thirst for knowledge and wanted to see where else I could make a difference.
Six years ago, after a period of parental leave, I began a new journey into science. What could be more rewarding than training future nurses?
I progressed rapidly in my academic role, becoming a lecturer and eventually taking on my current role as a school education manager. During my PhD I oversaw the nursing and midwifery school’s education provision.
So what changed? Something was missing. It never really went away.
During my six years at the university, I would like to tell my colleagues and students about my dream job in prison.
And now I’m sitting here waiting for clearance from my counterterrorism agency to return me to prison, and I can’t wait!
Many people ask what it is like to work as a nurse in a prison. The best way I can describe it is this: what is offered to the general population in terms of basic health care is also replicated in the prison environment.
Non-judgmental care is a must. You are dealing with some of the most vulnerable members of society who have the most complex healthcare needs.
A little compassion goes a long way, and working as a prison nurse is extremely rewarding in a profession where you can feel undervalued.
The duties of trained adult nurses include conducting general health examinations, vaccination consultations, wound care consultations, consultations for the treatment of chronic diseases, minor injuries and illnesses, palliative and end-of-life care, and emergency medical care.
In everyday life, you are usually housed in a health centre, where you are cared for by an interdisciplinary team ranging from GPs and dentists to opticians and physiotherapists. You also work closely with prison administration to ensure safe care. Some prisons also have inpatient facilities.
They provide care 24 hours a day, seven days a week, along with other caregivers who specialize in substance abuse or mental health.
My aim now is to return to prison nursing and engage in research and practice to find out how we can increase the workforce in health and justice, particularly in the prison service.
My advice to adult nurses out there is to give prison nursing a try and face a new challenge in an environment like no other!
Lucy Doherty, Head of School Education, University of Bolton
