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What is a Learning Disability Nurse?
Life as a Learning Disability Nurse:
Learning disability nurses support people with learning disabilities to help them lead healthy and fulfilling lives. Their care is tailored to address mental, physical and social needs in order to maximise independence.
To help them do this, they must assess needs and abilities in order to develop tailored and detailed care plans. These plans help patients learn essential life skills and encourage independence (patients can make more decisions in their life).
They also have the important role of teaching families or any other caregivers how to support the patient whilst providing reassurance of their capabilities. This can help patients promote their health and have better mental and emotional support as more people are prepped for caring for them.
The aim with learning disability nursing is to work with the patient and collaborate with other healthcare professionals to provide comprehensive care to assist in life transitions and increasing independence.
Learning disability nursing differs from others as these nurses also prioritise personal development and social inclusion alongside physical health. The care provided is also usually long term and can span across an individual's entire life as it is very holistic. Additionally, learning disability nurses often take on more of an advocate role compared to other nurses.
Watch the video's for more information.
Learning Disability Nursing as a Career
Career Pathways:
There are many pathways and work environments available through Nursing including NHS practice, private practice, management, further education and research to name a few. More detailed information can be found here:
Salary:
Starting salaries for qualified Learning Disability Nurses in England (Band 5) range from £29,970 to £36,483. More detailed information can be found here:
Governing Body:
To be a registered Learning Disability nurse in the UK you have to be registered under the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC). Here is a link to he NMC website where you can find more detailed information:
Facilities and Studying Learning Disability Nursing at Sheffield Hallam University
There are a variety of facilities designed to support and enhance your learning, including:
Mock Ward and Community Spaces: A 12-bed simulated ward, staffed with trained actors, provides an immersive learning experience that mirrors a real NHS ward, allowing students to practice and understand clinical scenarios.
Technology-Enhanced Learning: With the use of advanced technologies like virtual reality software, students can reinforce their learning and practice clinical skills without needing to be in a clinical setting.
Clinical Skills Laboratories: Used to improve practical and clinical skills, with guidance from professional nurses, ensuring students gain hands-on experience.
Further information on the Learning Disability Nursing facilities at Sheffield Hallam University can be found here on the Health and Social Care Hub:
Learning Disability Nursing Courses Available at Sheffield Hallam University:
BSc (Honours) - Nursing (Learning Disability) and Social Work
BSc (Honours) - Nursing (Learning Disability) and Social Work with Foundation Year
The links for each course are listed below, providing further details, including entry requirements:
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