Nurses work at the 20 prisons around the country in Prison Services' National Health team. Nurses are an important part of a multidisciplinary team, interacting with key external contracted providers such as Medical Officers (GPs), dentists and a range of secondary and tertiary health providers such as Forensic Mental Health teams.

Nurses are responsible for providing a full range of primary health services, at the level equivalent to that available in the community, to a culturally diverse group and range of ages from both gender groups.

Health services are delivered from a Health Centre at each prison, with the support of corrections officers working together to meet the health needs of the prisoner community.
Services include a range of health assessments, treatment plans, administration of medication, and the management of individual prisoners’ health needs including chronic health needs to ensure continuity of care. Health issues typically range from emergency treatment (such as prisoners' work place accidents and cardiac problems) to the management of asthma, epilepsy, diabetes, mental health and communicable diseases, through to dealing with minor cuts, sprains and influenza symptoms.

There is an opportunity to utilise any specialised skills you may bring with you, for example, orthopaedic or wound care. Some nurses hold specialist portfolio roles such as vaccination, diabetes, smoking cessation or infection control.

Key Accountabilities:
Prison Health Service Delivery
Provide full range of primary nursing services inc. triage and primary mental health care
Complete initial health screens and reception assessments within required timeframes
Assess prisoners health needs comprehensively and accurately
Develop and document prisoner treatment plans
Evaluate outcomes of health care delivered
Build and maintain effective relationship with relevant external individuals and agencies
Make appropriate referrals to other health team members and/or support personnel
Deliver emergency care to prisoners and staff with work-related accidents/incidents
Provide immunisation service as required

Administration:
Use resources in a cost-effective manner
Contribute to initiatives which provide increased efficiencies
Assist in formulating and reviewing standards, policies and procedures
Participate in activities which monitor and/or audit delivery of prisoner care

Health Education and Promotion:
Provide education on health issues, formally and informally, to prisoners and staff
Assist in compiling resource material for educational purposes
Contribute to the orientation of new health services staff including nursing students
Maintenance of immunisation and screening registers as appropriate

Person Specification:
Qualified as a Nursing Council of New Zealand registered Nurse
Have proven clinical nursing skills. Some mental health and/or emergency department experience would be an advantage.
Current vaccination certificate including Mantoux desirable

Core Competencies:
Professionalism
Work within the regulations of the Nursing Council of New Zealand
Recognise ethical dilemmas and discuss ethical principles
Have a professional non-judgemental approach
Be assertive, decisive, confident and able to work autonomously