Staff Nurse HMP Woodhill

You will be a qualified Registered Nurse (Adult) with a real passion for delivering high quality clinical care. You will be self‑motivated, flexible and work well within a team but also be able to work autonomously. Prison experience is not required – we provide full induction and training.

As part of the Primary Care Team the role includes triaging, emergency care and treatment, health promotion, end‑of‑life/palliative care, effective care planning and liaison with the multidisciplinary team. It is a varied role that offers new challenges each day and strong support from both the healthcare and prison teams. HMP Woodhill is a Category A/B prison accommodating approximately 600 adult male prisoners. The services operate on a 7‑day week working model to maintain the highest standards of patient care.

Main Duties:

• Be part of a multi‑disciplinary team delivering holistic health care to the prison population based on a primary care model.
• Assess, plan, implement and evaluate high‑quality, evidence‑based care within the boundaries of the role.
• Monitor long‑term conditions, deliver health promotion, screening and respond to medical emergencies.
• Maintain clear, comprehensive, signed and contemporaneous records – both written and electronic – in accordance with NMC guidance and CNWL policy.

Responsibilities:

• Proficient in the following procedures (training will be given): Vital observations and diagnostics (BP, pulse, SATS, temperature, respiration rate, blood glucose monitoring, peak flow), wound care, immunisations, ECG recording, venepuncture, near‑patient testing.
• Administer medication (including second signatory) and adhere to statutory (NMC) and organisational requirements and guidelines relating to the administration of medicines.
• Triage patients to determine clinical priorities and potential need to admit to the inpatient unit.
• Undertake health screening using agreed templates.
• Provide health promotion advice including sexual health and blood‑borne virus prevention and testing.
• Assist with activities of daily living and the development, review and update of care plans.
• Participate in the named‑nurse scheme to the residential units within HMP Woodhill and raise the profile of healthcare services and ensure full integration between residential unit staff and healthcare services.
• Respond appropriately and promptly to healthcare and medical emergencies within the prison.
• Facilitate referrals to other agencies and clinical services.
• Undertake assessment of suitability of patients to be transferred or released.
• Respect patients' individuality and maintain privacy within custodial constraints.
• Support patients who are distressed or at risk of harm to themselves or others, including risk of suicide.
• Initiate an ACCT where appropriate and attend review meetings.
• Co‑ordinate healthcare activity day‑to‑day, acting as shift leader in absence of a more senior member.
• Assist with stock control and equipment checking (all clinical areas and emergency bags).
• Recognise and respond to the health needs of vulnerable, disabled and older prisoners.
• Recognise signs and symptoms of drug and alcohol withdrawal and support individuals with substance misuse problems.
• Undertake expanding roles following relevant training.
• Work within Infection Prevention and Control guidance.

Person Specification:

• Essential Qualifications: First Level/Registered NMC General Nurse; evidence of personal development in previous employment.
• Desirable Qualifications: Teaching and mentorship qualification and experience.
• Essential Personal Disposition: Excellent communication, organisational and time‑management skills; understanding own accountability; willingness to learn and develop; commitment to supporting and empowering offenders.
• Desirable Personal Attributes: Ability to develop effective interpersonal relationships with colleagues in the healthcare setting; understanding of quality and change in a clinical setting.
• Essential Knowledge, Skills & Abilities: Working knowledge of health promotion; ability to communicate in a variety of settings with patients; appreciation of the roles of multidisciplinary team members; good working knowledge of IT and e‑mail; understanding of NHS agenda for offender health.
• Desirable Knowledge, Skills & Abilities: Ability to work well within a multidisciplinary team; appreciation of roles of team members.
• Essential Experience: Ability to work independently; post‑registration experience.
• Desirable Experience: Experience of working within primary care or A&E setting; experience within a secure environment.

Disclosure & Barring Service Check: This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exemptions Order) 1975 and requires a Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (previously CRB) to check for any previous convictions.Certificate of Sponsorship: Applications from job seekers who require current Skilled Worker sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications. Further information can be found on the UK Visas and Immigration website.UK Registration: Applicants must have current UK professional registration. Further details are available on the NHS Careers website.About Us: We are passionate about delivering first‑class, patient‑centred, safe and effective care across hospitals, community clinics and patients' own homes. We value a diverse culture and offer opportunities for career development. Staff benefits include access to MyTrustBenefits – an online portal offering discounts on numerous retailers and free online courses in topics such as business management, languages, law and teaching.