When we think about nursing in social care, many of us imagine care homes, learning disability services, or mental health support in familiar community settings. But social care is far broader – and sometimes sits in places we don’t immediately consider.
One of those places is prison.
In a conversation for Stories from Social Care Leaders, mental health nurse and University of Salford graduate Tom shared what it’s really like to nurse within a prison setting, and why it’s a role he loves.
Finding a calling
Tom knew early in his training that he wanted something “different” from traditional ward-based roles. When he secured a final-year placement in a prison, he immediately felt it was a good fit.
“I absolutely loved it. I wanted a job that stimulates me and makes me want to go back every day.”
That placement turned into his first qualified role, and today he works as part of a multidisciplinary mental health team supporting prisoners ranging from 18 to 88, with needs that often mirror those seen in the wider community – but often amplified by isolation, trauma, and vulnerability.
What the role looks like
Tom describes the prison as “a home, even if temporary,” and the health care team as providing a form of wraparound social care. That can include:
- Mental health assessments for every new arrival
- Full triage assessments and ongoing mental health reviews
- Crisis support for people at risk of suicide or self-harm
- Managing a personal caseload of patients with complex mental-health needs
- Attending and contributing to reviews
- Supporting transfers and release planning and pathways
- Close partnership working with psychologists, psychiatrists, prison officers, probation services, and community teams
The range of partners involved means prison nursing is inherently interprofessional. As Tom puts it:
“There isn’t a day where it’s just our team. We work with so many different professionals to get the best for the person.”
Challenging assumptions
Prison nursing is often misunderstood – sometimes seen as only restrictive, intimidating, or focused on risk. Tom acknowledges the challenges: security rules, limited movement, and the emotional impact of serious incidents.
But he says it’s also deeply human work:
- Many prisoners are highly vulnerable
- Nurses may be their main source of support
- Small changes can mean a great deal
“Sometimes society has given up on them. So, we’re there not to give up.”
A strong team culture
One of the most striking parts of Tom’s experience is the strength of the team culture. Without phones, everyone eats together, reflects together, and supports each other. Good management plays a huge role here. During difficult periods, Tom’s managers ensured he had time off, access to structured support, and space to recover.
“You feel safe because you know the team has your back.”
Who is prison nursing for?
Tom describes it as a “Marmite job” – you either love it or you don’t. But for nurses who want variety, challenge, autonomy, and the chance to make a meaningful impact, it’s a powerful option.
His advice?
- If you’re a student: take a placement and see what it’s like
- If you’re newly qualified: get a year of ward experience first
- If you’re curious: recognise that it’s unique…and uniquely rewarding!
Tom’s experience highlights just how varied nursing in social care can be. Prison nursing doesn’t fit neatly into people’s assumptions – and that’s exactly why it matters.
As Tom puts it, “You’re not just a nurse – you’re a bit of everything. A support worker, a social worker, sometimes the only person they talk to.”
For anyone curious about the field, his message is simple but honest:
“It’s not for everyone. But if you want to do it – if you really want to – it’s a brilliant job.”
This conversation serves as a reminder that social care nursing extends far beyond traditional spaces, and that meaningful work happens in every corner of the system.