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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

A great route into Nursing could be through an apprenticeship, where you are required to show that you can work at a Level 1 in English and maths. To go through a University route you will normally need GCSEs in English Language, Maths and a Science at Grade 4 or above (Grade C for those sitting their GCSE from 2017 onwards) or equivalent and then either A-Levels, BTEC or T-Levels depending on your preference in learning.

However, volunteering and work experience is valued by employers. If you already have a degree, you might be able to study for a postgraduate qualification. 

There are other routes into Learning Disability Nursing such as Nurse degree apprenticeships and Nursing associate apprenticeships. If you complete a Nursing Associate apprenticeship, you are then able to ‘top up’ to becoming a Registered Nurse by completing the last 1.5 – 2 years (depending on experience) of the Nursing Degree apprenticeship.

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

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

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.  

Location

  • Community Settings
  • Hospitals
  • Peoples Homes
  • Schools, colleges and universities
  • Care Homes
  • GP Practices

Working hours

  • Casual Hours
  • Full Time
  • Nights
  • Overtime
  • Part Time
  • Weekdays
  • Weekends
  • Flexible Hours

Leeds Opportunities

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Undergraduate Degree
Undergraduate Degree courses in Learning Disabilities Nursing
Find out more about degree courses in Learning Disabilities Nursing across Yorkshire.
Organisation
UCAS
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Apprenticeships
Learning Disabilities Care Apprenticeships
Find out more about Learning Disabilities care apprenticeships across Yorkshire.
Organisation
UCAS
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Undergraduate Degree
Undergraduate Degree courses in Learning and Teaching with SEND
Our innovative Nursing (Learning Disabilities) degree will enable you to develop the knowledge and skills needed for this rewarding career where you can enable each person you care and treat to reach their full potential, flourish and live their best lives in the communities where they learn, work, play, age and love.
Organisation
Leeds Trinity University
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BTECs, T-levels or A-levels
Leeds City College Health and Social Care courses
Find BTEC, T-Level or A-Level courses in Health and Care at Leeds City College
Organisation
Leeds City College
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Volunteering
Volunteering in Health and Care
Find out more about volunteering opportunities in Health and Care
Organisation
Volunteering Opportunities
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