Learning disability nurse

Entry Requirements:

You can get into this job through a university course or an apprenticeship.

University

You can do a degree in learning disability nursing approved by the Nursing and Midwifery Council . You might be able to study another area of nursing alongside learning disability nursing on some degree courses.

You might be able to join the second year of a nursing degree if you already have a degree in:

• a health-related subject
• psychology
• life sciences
• social work

Full-time courses usually take 3 years.

You might also be able to get a postgraduate qualification if you already have a relevant degree.

Integrated practice degree

You could qualify as a learning disabilities nurse and a social worker through an integrated practice degree. You'll need to check that the course is recognised by the relevant professional bodies for both roles. You can get advice on this from the course provider.

Entry requirements:

• 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English, maths and science
• 2 or 3 A levels, including a science, or a level 3 diploma or access to higher education in health, science or nursing
• a degree in a relevant subject for postgraduate study

Entry requirements:

Apprenticeship

You might be able to apply for a Registered Nurse Level 6 Degree Apprenticeship, if you work in a healthcare setting like a hospital.

The degree apprenticeship takes around 4 years and is a mix of academic study and on-the-job training.

You'll need the support of your employer to do a degree apprenticeship.

Entry requirements:

• 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C) and A levels, or equivalent, for a degree apprenticeship

Volunteering

You'll find it useful to get some practical experience before you apply for nurse training.

You could:

• get some experience in health or social care
• find volunteering opportunities with people with learning disabilities through The National Council for Voluntary Organisations and Do IT

Required Skills:

Digital skills : to be able to use a computer and the main software packages competently

Skills:

• sensitivity and understanding
• knowledge of psychology
• the ability to teach and motivate people
• the ability to understand people’s reactions
• active listening skills
• concentration skills
• the ability to work well with others
• the ability to use your initiative
• business management skills
• to be flexible and open to change
• to enjoy working with other people
• the ability to come up with new ways of doing things
• excellent verbal communication skills
• administration skills
• customer service skills
• the ability to read English
• excellent written communication skills
• a desire to help people
• thinking and reasoning skills
• the ability to work well with your hands

What you'll do:

Learning disability nurses take care of the social, psychological and physical health needs of people with a learning disability.

In this role you could:

• support people with learning disabilities to overcome challenges and get equal access to healthcare
• help people to improve and maintain their physical or mental health
• assess what kind of care is needed and create a care plan
• involve the person in all aspects of their care and give advice that is easy to understand
• manage medicines, give injections and keep confidential records
• supervise support workers and give advice on how to support people with learning disabilities

Location : You could work in the community, at an adult care home, at a client's home or in an NHS or private hospital.
Environment : Your working environment may be physically and emotionally demanding.
Uniform : You may need to wear a uniform.

Salary:

Starter : £28,000
Experienced : £43,000

These figures are a guide

Working hours:

38 - 40 hours a week

Working Pattern is evenings / weekends / bank holidays on shifts

Career Path:

With experience you could:

• lead a team of nurses or manage a learning disability unit
• become a community matron, director of nursing or train to become a health visitor
• become an advanced nurse practitioner, clinical nurse specialist or nurse consultant if you have a postgraduate qualification
• move into teaching or research