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Learning Disability Nursing

Learning Disability Nurses work with people with learning disabilities to help them become as independent as possible.

What Does it Involve?

People with a learning disability can struggle to cope with aspects of everyday, independent living. For most, around 20 in every thousand people, support is only needed at times of crisis. But some, 3 or 4 people in every thousand, require more intensive support. The role of the nurse is to help all people with a learning disability to maintain and improve their lifestyles, and to participate fully as equal members of society.

In some instances this may mean helping clients to develop their manual and recognition skills so that they can use kitchen equipment to make a pot of tea. In other cases, you will be underpinning people's efforts to find work and bring up a family - helping them make their way in a world that can sometimes seem difficult and threatening.

The distinctive contribution of learning disability nurses is their concern to influence behaviours and lifestyles that promote health and well-being for individuals, and their families and carers. You will be working in a wide variety of settings: people's own homes, their family homes, residential care, schools, workplaces and leisure. As your career unfolds you can maintain this broad spread of activity, or you could choose to specialise in an area such as sensory disability, education, or management of learning disability services.

The main challenge is to remain constantly sensitive and alert in how you relate to people, helped by new technology tools such as sensory stimulation and interactive learning systems. Adaptability and resourcefulness in very varied work settings becomes second nature. As part of a multi-agency team you will sometimes have to be prepared to stand your own ground in the interests of the people you are supporting. Progress can be slow, but seemingly small things do mean a great deal. By helping someone speak up for themselves, you are doing more than teaching them how to put their point of view. You are increasing their self-confidence and sense of worth, and enabling them to share more fully in the challenges and pleasures of living.

Entry requirements

There are no national minimum entry requirements as each Higher Education Institution (HEI) set it's own criteria. However, these are generally around 5 GCSEs or equivalent at grade C or above in English language or literature and a science subject for a Diploma programme and 5 GCSEs plus 2 A-levels or equivalent for a Degree programme All applicants must be able to demonstrate evidence of literacy, numeracy and good character.

The NHS and education sector welcomes people with alternative academic and vocational qualifications. You can call the NHS Career Helpline on 0845 60 60 655 for further educational entry criteria.

Fees and Finance

All tuition fees - at diploma or degree level - are paid by the NHS. Overseas applicants will be subject to current residential requirements. Visit the Student Grants Unit website NHS Student Grants for more information.

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© Crown Copyright material is reproduced with the permission of the Controller of HMSO and the Queen's Printer for Scotland

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