Learning disability nurse
Learning disability nurses take care of the social, psychological and physical health needs of people with a learning disability.
- Starter salary£32,000 a year
- Experienced£48,000 a year
- Typical hours37 to 40 a week
What you'll do
As a learning disability nurse, you could:
- work with doctors to assess people's needs and create care plans
- help people to overcome challenges and lead fulfilling lives
- encourage people to improve and maintain their physical and mental health
- involve people and their families in all aspects of their care
- manage medicines and treatments
- monitor patient progress and update medical records
- act as mentor to support healthcare team members
Working environment
You could work in the community, at an adult care home, at a client's home or in an NHS or private hospital.
Your working environment may be physically and emotionally demanding.
You may need to wear a uniform.
Skills and knowledge you'll need
You'll need:
- sensitivity and understanding
- knowledge of psychology
- the ability to teach and motivate people
- active listening skills
- concentration skills
- the ability to work well with others
- the ability to use your initiative
- excellent verbal communication skills
- to be able to use a computer and the main software packages competently
How to become a learning disability nurse
You can get into this job through:
- a university course
- an apprenticeship
- working towards this role
- a conversion course from another branch of nursing
University
You can do a learning disability nursing degree approved by the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) .
You might be able to get extra student financial support through the NHS Learning Support Fund .
You may be able to do an extended degree that combines learning disability nursing with another nursing branch. You'll need to check that this type of course is recognised by the NMC.
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.
Entry requirements
You'll usually need:
- 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
Apprenticeship
You could apply for a Registered Nurse Level 6 Degree Apprenticeship if you work in a healthcare setting, like a hospital or specialist unit.
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
To do this apprenticeship, you'll need:
- 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C) and A levels, or equivalent, for a degree apprenticeship
Work
You could work as an assistant practitioner or nursing associate and study for a shortened nursing degree to qualify as a registered learning disability nurse.
Volunteering
You'll find it useful to get some practical experience before you apply for nurse training.
You could:
- work in special needs education
- volunteer with charities that support people with learning disabilities
- search for opportunities with NHS Volunteering
- find openings through The National Council for Voluntary Organisations and Do IT
Other routes
If you're already a registered nurse, for example in adult nursing, you may be able to complete a conversion course to become a learning disability nurse. Courses normally take between 1 and 2 years.
Restrictions and requirements
You'll need to:
- pass enhanced background checks
Career path and progression
With experience, you could:
- lead a team of nurses or manage a learning disability unit
- work towards a management role, like community matron or director of nursing
- train as a health visitor
- become an advanced nurse practitioner, clinical nurse specialist or nurse consultant, if you have a postgraduate qualification
- work in teaching or research
Career tips
You would be expected to have an understanding of how the NHS values would apply in your work.
Registration
- you'll need to register with the Nursing and Midwifery Council
Guides for this industry
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