Prison nurse

Briefly explain what you do for a living.

I work as a nurse at an outpatient clinic of prisoners’ health care services. My tasks include health interviews with prisoners upon arrival and receiving patients at designated times. I also administer medication and assess the need for treatment.

How have you ended up in the profession of your choice?

I became a nurse because I was interested in working with people.

I have previously worked in an addiction psychiatric ward, in outpatient services for young people and in an outpatient substance abuse clinic. Working in prison was not originally in my plans, and I had no previous experience of it. However, I soon realised that the work suits me very well.

Describe your typical working day or week.

During the working week, I receive patients at the outpatient clinic, assess their need for treatment and distribute medicines. A prisoner can come to see me for example because of substitution treatment or wound care.

I also record patient documents and coordinate treatment visits with health care professional and supervision personnel outside the prison.

What kind of work environment or working hours do you have?

I work at an outpatient clinic, and hygiene must be paid particular attention to in the work environment.

I work during the day, but in the health care services for prisoners, there is also shift work.

What kind of competence or qualities are required in the profession?

Good interaction skills are essential in care work. A nurse must be able to listen to the patient and consider their situation and needs. In addition, versatile professional competence and a willingness to continuously develop it are important.

What is the best thing about your profession?

The best part of the work of a nurse is the patients, colleagues and meeting people. It is rewarding to be able to support people in different life situations.

This profession also allows you to challenge and develop yourself, as there is always something new to learn.

What are the downsides of the profession or what seems challenging?

Patients’ life situations may be difficult and complex. The work also involves serious illnesses, crises and death, which can be mentally stressful.

What would you tell a person considering becoming a nurse?

I warmly recommend the profession of a nurse, as it offers very versatile and interesting job opportunities in different work environments. The Health Care Services for Prisoners employs nurses with different educational and competence backgrounds. Some are specialised in somatic care and others in mental health and substance abuse treatment.

Degree programme in nursing provides a sufficient base for the work, and skills can be supplemented during the work. The Health Care Services for Prisoners provides good opportunities for training and developing professional competence.

How do you see the future of your profession?

Digitalisation and the increasing use of remote services will certainly change care work practices. However, they do not eliminate patients’ need for personal interaction, so I believe that nurses will be needed in the future as well.