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For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a team to provide mental health care in a prison setting.
- Company: Join Practice Plus Group, the UK's top independent NHS provider in secure environments.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible working, career development, and discounts on shopping and leisure activities.
- Why this job: Make a real difference while growing your skills in a supportive environment.
- Qualifications: Must be a registered Mental Health Nurse with relevant experience and a compassionate approach.
- Other info: Work in a historic location with opportunities for professional growth.
The predicted salary is between 44000 - 62000 £ per year.
About The Role
We have an exciting opportunity for a Senior Mental Health Nurse role at HMP Lewes to join our team. HMP Lewes is a category B male prison, based near the centre of the historical town of Lewes, which is just a 5 minute walk away.
Due to HMP Lewes holding remand prisoners, we do require staff to work on a rota basis and you can be asked to work nights, bank holidays and weekends although if you are looking for flexibility we can discuss this at interview stage.
Salary
You will receive an annual salary up to £52,507 per annum - depending on experience.
How will we support you?
- Bespoke induction, including our Introducing Health in Justice training course
- Competency framework
- Regional and national career development opportunities
- Our bespoke Learning Management System to address your learning needs
- Support from the wider team
Candidates are required to have a legal right to work in the UK and due to the nature of the role, offers of employment will be subject to additional vetting and security checks.
What you’ll be doing
As a Senior Mental Health Nurse you will:
- Lead a multi-disciplinary team to deliver a nurse led service and prevent hospital admissions.
- Undertake medication rounds, dispense controlled medication.
- Attend emergency response situations.
- Assess patients, and undertake reception screening.
- Assess patient’s health needs using an evidence based framework and be able to risk assess using sound clinical knowledge.
- Ensure that you assess physical and mental health of prisoners on admission to the prison and throughout their period of custody so that any appropriate referral can be made.
- Make a clinical judgement with regard to any immediate need and long term treatment.
If you are interested in career development, we have a wide range of opportunities for you to develop your skills and experience, which include both internal and external options for development and learning.
It doesn’t stop there...
We also offer:
- Discounts on shopping and leisure activities
- Support to grow in your role and continue your professional development
- 24/7 employee assistance helpline and financial assistance when you need it
What we’ll look for in you
The Health in Justice team at Practice Plus Group makes a real difference across over 53 prisons, young offenders and immigration removal centres. We’re the UK’s leading independent provider of NHS services to over 40,000 patients in secure environments, always putting their needs first, regardless of their background.
Practice Plus Group’s purpose is to unlock your best work life and we stand by our core values:
- We treat patients and each other as we would like to be treated
- We act with integrity
- We embrace diversity
- We strive to do things better together
We are looking for caring, compassionate but also driven professionals who can help us drive our vision for fair and inclusive healthcare access to all.
Qualifications
- Registered nurse - Mental Health
- Current professional qualification (NMC)
- Evidence of Continued Professional Development
- Experience of the complexities of multi-disciplinary and multi-agency working
- A non-judgmental and compassionate approach
- Understanding of mental health policy including clinical governance and the quality and outcomes framework, along with national standards such as NICE
- Ability to assess and manage patient risk effectively.
- Although not essential, ideal applicants would have experience in a hospital, community or prison environment.
Contact Detail:
Practice Plus Group Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Mental Health Nurse
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the specific challenges and needs of mental health care within a prison environment. Understanding the unique dynamics of working in HMP Lewes will help you demonstrate your readiness for the role during interviews.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with professionals already working in the field of mental health nursing, especially those with experience in secure environments. Engaging with them can provide valuable insights and potentially lead to referrals or recommendations.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss your experience with multi-disciplinary teams and how you've effectively collaborated with various agencies. Highlighting your teamwork skills will be crucial, as this role involves leading a diverse group of professionals.
✨Tip Number 4
Stay updated on current mental health policies and frameworks, particularly those relevant to the prison system. Being knowledgeable about NICE guidelines and clinical governance will show your commitment to high-quality care and patient safety.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Mental Health Nurse
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Before applying, make sure you fully understand the responsibilities and requirements of a Senior Mental Health Nurse at HMP Lewes. Familiarise yourself with the specific duties mentioned in the job description, such as leading a multi-disciplinary team and assessing patients' health needs.
Tailor Your CV: Customise your CV to highlight relevant experience and qualifications that align with the role. Emphasise your registered nurse status, any experience in mental health, and your ability to work in multi-disciplinary teams. Use specific examples to demonstrate your skills.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that showcases your passion for mental health nursing and your commitment to making a difference in the lives of prisoners. Address how your values align with those of Practice Plus Group and mention any relevant experiences that illustrate your compassionate approach.
Proofread Your Application: Before submitting your application, carefully proofread all documents for spelling and grammatical errors. A polished application reflects your attention to detail and professionalism, which are crucial in a healthcare setting.
How to prepare for a job interview at Practice Plus Group
✨Showcase Your Experience
Be prepared to discuss your previous roles and how they relate to the responsibilities of a Senior Mental Health Nurse. Highlight any experience you have in multi-disciplinary teams, especially in challenging environments like prisons.
✨Demonstrate Compassion and Integrity
Since the role requires a caring and non-judgmental approach, think of examples where you've shown compassion in your work. Be ready to explain how you uphold integrity in your professional practice.
✨Understand Mental Health Policies
Familiarise yourself with current mental health policies, clinical governance, and national standards such as NICE. Being able to discuss these topics will show your commitment to quality care and patient safety.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect questions that assess your ability to handle emergency situations or make clinical judgments. Think through potential scenarios you might face in a prison setting and how you would respond effectively.
