Any nurses who work in a prison?

[Lillycake]

I have just qualified as a mental health nurse and applied for a job in a prison.
I really struggle with childcare as a single parent and did throughout my training.
I have no clue what area of mental health I want to work. I didn't enjoy my training and very anxious about working in the field. However desperate to earn money so need to start somewhere. This job is ideal 4 days 8 - 4 for childcare. I'm just a little concerned about what the job will be like. Apparently you either love prison work or you hate it. How do I know if I have never tried it?
It's assessing new prisoners and taking part in group therapies.
Just wondering if there were any prison nurses out there who could tell me their experience.

[HebeMumsnet]

Hi OP. Hope you don't mind but we've moved this over to our HCP Chat board. We think you might get more responses over here.

[Girlintheframe]

I used to work as a nurse in a prison.
Like you my main motivation was child friendly hours.
I really enjoyed it. I found the majority of prisoners to be respectful and never felt at risk.
You will go through breakaway (sure it's called something different now) training which is reassuring. You also learn how to assess situations and what situations to avoid.
The only thing I found frustrating was the lack of resources. An awful lot which is available in the community is just not an option for prisoners.
An awful lot of prisoners have MH/Addiction issues but due to lack of resources only the most acute get seen.

[Lillycake]

Girlintheframe thankyou. Although childcare friendly hours are the most important, I'm really wanting to enjoy the role. I'm concerned that I didn't enjoy my placements on wards especially secure ones. I feel lost in looking for something suitable. I question my degree, my role, working in mental health. I need to work asap. I have even looked into completely different roles but scared of losing my pin and being on less money.

[iamclaireandfleabag]

I don't work in prison but as a forensic nurse examiner I do go into prison occasionally. It's certainly interesting (although not everyone's cup of tea). It always strikes me that the healthcare staff have a better deal than wing officers. I think there is nothing wrong in giving it a go and if it isn't for you, look for something else. I reckon you will learn things that will help you throughout your career even if it's not a long term place for you.