HMP Grampian: What does it take to be a prison nurse?

When Jennifer Watt started taking on bank nursing shifts at HMP Grampian, her sister said she’d “never last”.

But, seven years on, she absolutely loves the role and working in a fast-paced environment where no two days are the same.

Specialising in support with substance use, Jennifer is in regular contact with many of the 430-odd men and women at the prison in Peterhead.

But her job covers many more areas, and she’s always available to lend a hand no matter what the situation.

A day in the life of a prison nurse

Jennifer arrives at the jail at 6.30am and spends her day distributing medication, holding clinics, attending review meetings and generally assisting with anything else requiring her attention.

“You’re constantly on the go,” she said.

“You’re always listening to the radio – there could be incidents with alleged assaults, people under the influence, deterioration of mental health, or someone is needing assessed.

“There’s always something going on, and someone looking for a duty nurse for some reason.”

A range of clinics are held throughout the day in one of seven consulting rooms – which look like any other medical practice – covering the likes of mental health and physiotherapy.

A GP’s available on weekdays and Saturday mornings, while a dentist stops by three times a week as well.

What are the clinics like?

Jennifer’s clinic looks at substance abuse, reviewing patients on treatment, providing support and administering opioid substitution medication.

“They’ve got respect for me, and I’ve got respect for them,” she said. “And once you’ve got that trust, you’re sorted.

“They’re able to open up and speak about things they’ve not been able to for a long time.

“Sometimes they’ll try and have a bit of banter or they can shout and bawl, but I guarantee within five minutes it’s forgotten about.

“It’s gone over my head and they’ve come back with their tail between their legs – ‘I’m sorry, miss’.”

‘What have I let myself in for?’

Jennifer says her first experiences of prison nursing at HMP Grampian were quite daunting.

And her own sister, who also worked there at the time, didn’t think she’d be able to tough it out for long.

But Jennifer knew her colleagues had her back.

“When I first started, I thought: ‘What have I let myself in for’,” she admits.

“It’s quite overwhelming and some situations can be risky, but you’re always 100% supported.

“I’ve never felt at risk or scared – you know, if you push that alarm, within seconds you’re surrounded by staff.”

Jennifer adds: “No two days are the same and I think that’s why I enjoy it so much.

“Prison nursing isn’t for everyone – but it provides a lot of challenges and rewards that will have a lasting impact on your career.”