Learning disability nurse

Female nurse with female patient looking at craftwork

A day as a learning disability nurse

Your day starts with a visit to a young man with learning disabilities in his home. Your job is to help him better understand his physical and mental health needs so he can live an independent and healthy life.

You also spend time with his family and carers. It is important they also know how everyone needs to work together and know what each other is doing. Later that morning, you are talking to other health and care staff and help them to communicate better with people with learning disabilities showing challenging behaviour.

In the afternoon, you visit a woman who might be admitted into hospital. She has mental health needs and without support, it will be unsafe for her to remain in the community. You talk to your fellow healthcare professionals about offering suitable support so she can stay at home and safely recover with her friends and family.