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Learning Disability Nursing

Learning disability nursing offers a unique and rewarding career which often provides you with the privilege of entering fully into the lives of people with a learning disability. Nurses work to enhance the health, well-being and social inclusion of people with a learning disability by improving or maintaining their physical and mental health, reducing barriers to their special needs and supporting them to achieve a life which is as fulfilling as possible.

Choose from:

Degree Apprenticeship

Undergraduate

Postgraduate

Overview

What does it involve?

Learning disability nurses support people with learning disabilities who often have a range of complex developmental, physical, psychological and mental health needs. As a learning disability nurse you will work in partnership with service users, their families / carers and other health and social care professionals. You will help identify and create ways to support a range of health and developmental needs in order that people with a learning disability of all ages may live their lives as fully and independently as possible.

What personal attributes does a learning disability nurse require?

  • 'People Skills' (interpersonal) – to build trusting, mutually respectful relationships
  • Excellent communication to adapt to all situations
  • The ability to relate well to people from a range of backgrounds
  • Ability to work as part of a team
  • 'Openness' - willingness to see your own limitations or faults and value others' opinions.
  • Non-judgemental
  • Empathy, sensitivity, compassion and patience
  • Self-confidence and calmness under stress
  • Flexibility in thinking and doing
  • Organised, disciplined and reliable
  • Imaginative problem solver.

Contact us

If you would like to find out more, please e-mail the Learning Disability Nursing team at learningdisability@herts.ac.uk