Learning Disability Nurse

The aim of an Learning Disability nurse is to support the person with an LD to live a happy and healthy life. They work with family, friends and colleagues to positively support the person to achieve this.

Learning Disability Nurses have specialist knowledge in learning disabilities but combine this with other nursing skills. They care for people throughout their whole life.

Learning Disability Nurses get to know the person and what is important to them. They work with them and their family to create goals and plan how they will be achieved. Considering Physical, mental health, social and emotional needs.

They support the person with the Learning Disability to have a voice in making decisions around their life and choices.

Learning Disability Nurse is also known as Nurse.

Role Characteristics

Help people to improve and maintain their physical and mental health
Assess what kind of care the patient needs and create a care plan
Build relationships and trust with vulnerable people
Organise home visits and attend GP appointments to monitor and discuss progress with the person you’re supporting, and their families
Give advice on how to support people with learning disabilities
Work on issues such as problem solving, anxiety management, healthy living and behaviour management

Skills

Active listening
Advice giving
Empathy
Resilience
Decision-making
Communication

Day in the life

Watch this video to find out about the different ways Learning Disability Nurses support people.

Routes into this role

Here are some example routes that can lead into this role.

GCSEs

BTEC

A-Levels

Undergraduate degree

Degree apprenticeship

How to become

There are many routes into nursing; these include university or apprenticeships.
You will normally need 5 GCSEs including English, maths and sciences, or equivalent.
You will normally need either A-Levels, BTEC or T-Levels depending on your preference in learning. However, volunteering and work experience is valued by employers.

To practice as a Learning Disability Nurse, you must be registered with the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC).

It is important to check your preferred course provider's entry requirements for guidance.

Where can this role lead

No matter what role you start in or where you are in your career path, there are always opportunities to develop and progress in health and care.

Once you are qualified and have some experience, you could develop into a Team Leader or head of Learning Disabilities Nursing. With further training you could progress into Health Management, specialise in autism support, research or Nurse education roles.