Compare roles in health

To work as a nurse in prison healthcare you’ll need to be a qualified, registered nurse and hold a current registration with the NMC. Training will be provided to help you adapt to this unique environment. There is no specific qualification required to enable a nurse to work in a prison. Informal visits are encouraged, so contact the relevant healthcare provider for the prison site for further details. Anyone applying to work within a prison will go through an enhanced prison vetting process.

Most jobs in the NHS are covered by the Agenda for Change (AfC) pay scales. This pay system covers all staff except doctors, dentists and the most senior managers. As a prison healthcare nurse, you could work directly for the NHS or be employed by a private healthcare provider delivering services on behalf of the NHS. Prison nurses in the NHS usually start at band 5 and work standard hours of 37.5 per week.

Your personality and communication skills are crucial components of being a nurse in prison healthcare. You'll need resilience, patience, compassion and communication/problem solving skills. Conflict management skills and a good knowledge of the criminal justice system and how it relates to the role will also help.

With further training and experience, prison nurses can apply for more senior nursing roles, such as senior practice nurse/nurse practitioner and advanced nurse practitioner positions either within prisons or general practices.

There are three entry points into haematology (1) with at least two if not three A-levels including science subjects (or equivalent level-3 qualifications) and a good spread of GCSEs at A-C grade, to take an accredited BSc degree in healthcare science (blood sciences) for the NHS Practitioner Training Programme (PTP); (2) through the NHS Scientist Training Programme for which you’ll need a 1st or 2.1 either in an undergraduate honours degree or an integrated master’s degree in a relevant pure or applied science. If you have a relevant 2.2 honours degree, you’ll also be considered if you have a higher degree in a subject relevant to the specialism for which you are applying. Evidence of research experience is desirable; or (3) after gaining postgraduate qualifications and/or considerable relevant experience as a clinical scientist through Higher Specialist Scientist Training (HSST).

NHS staff will usually work a standard 37.5 hours per week. They may work a shift pattern, especially as blood laboratories operate 24/7. Most jobs in the NHS are covered by the Agenda for Change (AfC) pay scales. Your salary in haematology would typically be between AfC Bands 5 and 9, depending on your role and level of responsibility. As a healthcare science practitioner, you’d usually start on band 5, with opportunities to progress to more senior positions. Trainee clinical scientists train at band 6 level, and qualified clinical scientists are generally appointed at band 7. With experience and further qualifications, including Higher Specialist Scientist Training, you could apply for posts up to band 9. Terms and conditions of service can vary for employers outside the NHS.

An interest in science and technology, good communication skills, comfortable using modern technology and complex equipment, attention to detail and able to work as part of a team.

With further training or experience or both, you may be able to develop your career further and apply for vacancies in areas such as further specialisation, management, research, or teaching.