Your role as a learning disability nurse
Learning disability nurses specialise in providing tailored advice, care, and support to people with learning disabilities, helping them lead fulfilling and independent lives.
Registered learning disability nurses work in both inpatient facilities and as part of multi-disciplinary teams in the community, including acute care liaison nurses based in local district general hospitals.
Key responsibilities
You will work in a person-centred way to complete health assessments, develop personalised care plans, and deliver specialist interventions to help individuals access mainstream healthcare and prevent unnecessary hospital admissions.
Learning disability nurses in inpatient settings will assist with daily activities such as personal hygiene, nutrition, and mobility, promoting as much independence as possible.
Health education and promotion
An important part of your role is health education, working alongside individuals and their families on topics like health management, nutrition, preventative care, and promoting healthy lifestyle choices.
Advocacy and rights
You will advocate for the rights and needs of people with learning disabilities, ensuring they receive appropriate care within the healthcare system and the community. This helps to reduce diagnostic overshadowing and prevent premature deaths due to misdiagnosis.
Education and research
At Devon Partnership NHS Trust, learning disability nurses also educate and supervise other healthcare staff, caregivers, and families, ensuring best practices are followed.
You will engage in research and service improvements, contributing to the ongoing development of understanding and treatment for learning disabilities.
Opportunities for growth
You will have opportunities to stay updated with the latest practices by attending regular team briefings and clinical forums, ensuring evidence-based care is always at the forefront of your work.
Your career as a registered learning disability nurse
If you're already a registered learning disability nurse, there are plenty of opportunities to grow your career with us. If you're new to the profession, you can start by enrolling in a degree course in learning disability nursing at university.
