Careers in learning disability nursing highlighted as part of national event

Those thinking about a career in the NHS have been urged to consider specialising in learning disabilities, as the UK marks Learning Disability Nurse Day (Wednesday 1 November).

Learning disability nurses work to provide specialist healthcare and support to people with learning disabilities, as well as their families and other carers, to help them live a fulfilling life.  There are over 16,000 Learning Disability Nurses registered with the Nursing and Midwifery Council, and more than 3,000 of them currently work in the NHS.  It is a growing sector which needs more staff.

Learning Disability Nurses work across the lifespan, working with children through to older adults.  This population has a diverse range of health needs, including physical disabilities, neurological conditions, and specific syndromes.  Nurses play a vital role in their care and wellbeing, working across both health and social care settings.

Their main roles include:

• Improving and maintaining a person’s physical and mental health.
• Reducing health inequalities that lead to the premature death of people with learning disabilities.
• Reducing barriers to health and care services to promote an individual’s wellbeing.
• Supporting the person in living a fulfilling life.
• Supporting individuals to access health and social care services: assessing, planning, delivering and evaluating holistic, person-centred care.

Sarah Stanley, chief nursing director at Bedfordshire, Luton and Milton Keynes Integrated Care Board, said:

“Working with people who have learning disabilities is one of the most rewarding types of nursing there is.  Their needs may be social, mental, physical or sensory, and it’s rare to find two days the same.

“Helping people with learning disabilities to live their best life is an incredibly varied career.  One day, you might be helping someone learn how to complete everyday tasks which most of us take for granted, and the next, you might be making sure they’re safe in their own home or be involved in a creative workshop with a group of people with varying abilities.

“Many types of nursing are about making people better, but in learning disabilities, it’s all about increasing patients’ independence and making sure they can fulfil their potential.”

The NHS Careers website has more information on careers in learning disability nursing and a quiz to help you find the NHS role which most suits you.