Hi, I'm Candy, a Registered Adult Nurse working in Health and Justice.
Throughout my career, I've worked in men's and women's prisons, as well as young offender settings, providing both primary and urgent healthcare to patients of all ages and backgrounds.
When people think of nursing, they often picture hospitals or GP surgeries. While these are vital settings, some of the most impactful nursing happens beyond those traditional environments. Working in Health and Justice has shown me how nurses can make a real difference to people who are often among the most vulnerable and underserved in society.
I qualified as a nurse through the apprenticeship route, building on the qualifications I gained at MidKent College. For me, it was the perfect pathway. I was able to work while studying, gaining invaluable hands-on experience in an Urgent Treatment Centre, where I encountered an incredible variety of clinical presentations and learned something new every day.
One of the biggest advantages was that I earned a full-time salary while completing my degree, and my tuition fees were fully funded. By the time I qualified, I had accumulated four additional years of practical experience compared to many newly qualified nurses. In return, the NHS gained a newly qualified nurse who was already experienced, confident, and work-ready.
For anyone considering a career in nursing, I genuinely believe apprenticeships are one of the best routes into the profession, and no one should discount the prison service for a future career - prisoners really need people to care for them. For me, it is a privilege to do so every day.
