Learning Disabilities
The learning disability nursing programme offers students the opportunity to meet the unique and challenging needs of individuals who have a learning disability. It is of 3 years duration and must be completed within 5 years of registration. Consequently, on completion the student is awarded a Bachelor of Science (Honours) degree, Advanced Diploma or Diploma and professional registration with the Nursing and Midwifery Council.
The programme highlights the interdisciplinary nature of caring and embraces an individualised and holistic approach for this client group all of whom have distinct and varied needs that regard them as individuals with rights. The teaching encompasses contemporary government agendas and policies and critiques the ways in which they contribute to respect for the psychological, physiological, social, emotional and cultural and spiritual beliefs as well as diversity and human rights. In this way students gain an understanding of the complex factors influencing individuals who have a learning disability. Students who successfully complete this programme are equipped to add knowledge, responsibility, leadership and confidence in revitalising the fields in which they choose to work and in making a difference to their communities.
The Learning Disability branch teaching team are committed to providing students of the future an educational opportunity that fosters deep respect and concern for humankind, develops character, professionalism and leadership. Students are exposed to career opportunities in nursing and care management in residential services or community teams, voluntary and private sectors, clinical specialist services, eg epilepsy, day centres, schools, employment or housing services, research, teaching and further education and post qualified training.
More on the CourseThe Role of the Learning Disability Nurse
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The role of the learning Disability nurse is uniquely diverse and challenging..... |
The Department of Health (DoH 2001 [1]) have estimated that there are approximately 210,00 people with severe learning disabilities in England and a further 1.2 million people with mild or moderate disability (DoH 2001). The Prime Minister, Tony Blair in his foreword to the recent ‘Valuing People’ White Paper, which outlined a vision of the future of services for people with Learning Disability noted that these people are the most socially excluded and vulnerable people within our society. (DoH 2001: foreword). This report goes onto say that people with learning disabilities have the right to be full members of society, to choose where they live and what they wish to do and to be as independent as they wish to be (DoH 2001).
Therefore the role of the learning Disability nurse is uniquely diverse and challenging and can be set in a variety of settings where the client base varies from individuals with multiple disabilities and require 24 hour care to individuals who require minimal support. For example you may work in a residential setting or in a client’s home or classroom with the role extending to supporting families and carers. Learning Disability Nurses play a key role in helping to reduce the challenges faced by people with learning disabilities, and to support them in developing new skills in order to help them become full members of society. Thus Learning Disability Nurses provide care and support that seeks to support people holistically, through meeting their physical, social and emotional needs, and seeks to reflect the diverse needs of Britain’s population.
While enabling people to live as independently as possible, learning disability nurses are involved in promoting the health of their clients. As such a key role is to engage in a variety of assessments regarding health needs such as epilepsy, screening and health education. To this end individuals are empowered to access ordinary services such as doctors, dentists, hospitals and social workers.
As a Learning disability nurse you are required to:
- treat clients as individuals
- ensure consent is sought before any care/treatment is administered
- protect confidentiality
- co-operate within the inter- professional teams
- maintain professional competence and update knowledge
- be trustworthy
- act to minimise risk to the individual
(NMC 2004)
Nursing & Midwifery Council Competencies 
[1] Department of Health 2001. Valuing People: A New Strategy for Learning Disability for the 21st Century. A White Paper. Command Paper: Cm 5086. March 2001 London HMSO, now The Stationary Office (TSO). Via http://www.archive.official-documents.co.uk/document/cm50/5086/5086.pdf accessed 23/11/2005
