Learning Disabilities Nursing

Learning disability (LD) nursing focuses on the value and rights of the person, effective communication, person-centred practice and using evidence-based practice to improve the health and well-being of people with a learning disability. LD nurses consider health in the widest possible sense and work in a range of careers with children or adults facing physical and mental health challenges or living with learning disabilities, helping clients to live their lives as fully and independently as possible.

Learning disability nursing is a unique and valued field of nursing. We work with people with a learning disability, who represent some of the most disadvantaged people in society. The role of the learning disability nurse, in partnership with the person, family, carers and other member of the multi-disciplinary team is to address health inequalities, so that the person can live as fully and independently as possible.

We define health in its broadest sense, we are concerned with social, psychological and physical health. Therefore, included in our course is a focus on the value of the person, the rights of the person. We empower people to overcome society’s barriers by using effective communication, person centred practice and evidence-based practice.

When studying to be a learning disability nurse you’ll spend half of your time at the university and the other half on placements. Whilst on placement you’ll work with people with a learning disability where you’ll be supported by learning disability nurses and other members of the multi-disciplinary team. Placements will give you an experience of working with children and adults and with some of our more specialised services. There will also be the opportunity to work in both community settings and residential settings.

As a learning disability nurse, you’ll achieve a qualification that will enable you to enter a fulfilling career working with children or adults who are living with a learning disability and who need the support of a learning disability nurse. Learning disability nurses can be seen working in different settings as well as for a range of different employers which include the NHS and independent sector. The unique skills of the learning disability nurse are increasingly deployed in other fields of nursing i.e. mental health and adult nursing environments.

The course is appropriate for careers working with people of all ages facing physical and mental health challenges or living with learning disabilities who need professional nursing care. Bangor accepts applications for nursing courses throughout the year, while places are still available. As some pathways do become full, we recommend applications are submitted as soon as possible.