Learning disability nursing
People with learning disabilities have a reduced ability to understand new and complicated information or to learn new skills. This can lead to social, practical and communication difficulties and to isolation and social exclusion. They may also have other needs such as mental health problems, chronic health complaints, epilepsy or physical and sensory disabilities which need to be addressed as part of their nursing care.
As a learning disability nurse you'll help enable people to improve, maintain or recover their health, to cope with health problems and to achieve the best quality of life. You'll work in partnership with people with learning disabilities, their families and supporters, as well as other practitioners in health, education and social care.
As a student you'll learn through theoretical and practical work using simulated scenarios, facilitated role-play and workshops. You'll learn to communciate effectively and to develop relationships based on warmth and patience, companionship and caring. A unique feature of our course is that you'll have the opportunity to be taught by people with learning disabilities and their families and to discuss their needs.
Opportunities with all ages
As a learning disability nurse you can work with children, adults and older adults and can choose to specialise in areas such as special educational needs, challenging behaviour services, management or teaching.
There are opportunities in the NHS, in council-run social services, independent residential homes and a variety of voluntary organisations.
Learning disability nursing is often demanding as progress can be slow, but you'll gain great satisfaction when the person you are supporting has learned a new skill or can demonstrate new confidence through your intervention.
“Every day is different. I may be doing a nursing or joint
health assessment, continence work, providing advice and
guidelines on behavioural problems, leading group work,
helping clients access healthcare or liaising with different
agencies to solve problems. We have a multidisciplinary
team and I work with a speech and language therapist,
dietician, occupational therapist, physiotherapist,
psychologist and care managers.”
Learning disability student nurse
