Help us keep the lights on Support us
The Bristol Cable

Diary of a learning disabilities nurse

On the centenary of the establishment of the profession, a student learning disabilities nurse explains the crucial daily work they do.

Voices

Photo: istock

My chosen profession, learning disability nursing, was established as a practice 100 years ago this year – although there have been several threats to the specialised role over the years. As I’m about to graduate, I want to offer a glimpse into the type of work that we do, and why it remains important, with the following account of my experiences. 

Overall, working with people with different types of learning disability and across healthcare settings, our values are based on independence, inclusion and accessibility. We seek to practice in a way that enables people to put their own wishes, goals and ambitions before their obstacles. All this is important to meeting the health needs of this population. 

In the following accounts all names and identifying information have been changed.

This diary is a montage of experiences.

Correction: In an earlier version of this article, this role was mistakenly called ‘learning difficulties nurse’. While learning disabilities nurses support people with some learning difficulties too, there isn’t a separate nursing role for people with learning difficulties.

NEWS YOU OWN
CAN'T BE BOUGHT

Become a member of The Cable to keep news independent.

Join now

Comments

Report a comment. Comments are moderated according to our Comment Policy.

Post a comment

Mark if this comment is from the author of the article

By posting a comment you agree to our Comment Policy.

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

Related content

Listen: Bristol Unpacked with Lewis Wedlock – towards a positive masculinity

Neil asks masculinities educator Lewis about his work in schools in Bristol and beyond, the appeal of the manosphere and why it’s so important to meet young people without judging them.

Play, a risky business: A tour of Bristol’s Adventure Playgrounds

The Cable's community organiser explores the history and enduring spirit of the city's Adventure Playgrounds, where children are trusted, challenged and free to play

Giving a shit is just the beginning

Reflections on the film ‘Steve’, the power of youth services and what we can all do for the young people of our city

We’ve Got Your Boy: Episode 1, Hurt people, hurt people

The perpetrators of serious youth violence are often victims themselves, of failing systems of support that if they worked properly could have prevented needless loss of life. How can we stop it, if we don’t address its root causes?

School exclusion, child imprisonment and a state of punishment

A psychologist, who has worked with children in Bristol’s secure estate and pupil referral units, says the way England treats struggling children makes them believe they’re destined for failure.

‘Collective power is where it’s at’: City Academy workers celebrate strike action successes

Union members at the east Bristol secondary school have achieved most of a series of asks from the academy trust that manages it, after announcing rolling walkouts. Workers say the action has brought staff together.

JOIN OUR
NEWSLETTER

Fearless, independent
reporting you can trust.

JOIN OUR
NEWSLETTER

Fearless, independent
reporting you can trust.