Learning Disability Practice
Editor's choice
England’s chief nursing officer says increasing LD nursing numbers is priority
Ruth May also hinted at a possible return of the bursary to support nursing students
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Leading nurse calls for united front to promote learning disability nursing
Queen's Nursing Institute clinical adviser sets out pillars of practice for LD nurses
People with LDs who present with challenging behaviour could inform service improvement
Such behaviour can mean needs aren't being met, and nurses need to be aware of this
Learning disability nursing needs to reset itself, says senior nurse
NHS England head of LD nursing says the profession has to fight to prove its worth
For your patients’ sake, get the flu jab, senior official urges health workers
Professor says healthcare staff have a ‘very strong responsibility’ to accept vaccination
Effects on health of learning disabilities and autism
The links between learning disability and autism on mental health and poorer general health
Exploring workforce retention issues in learning disability services
Retention can be influenced by factors such as job satisfaction, pay and being part of a team
Evidence and Practice
Syndromes: Batten disease
A look at Batten disease, a collection of rare and fatal inherited disorders of the nervous...
Exploring the value of reflexivity in learning disability research
Reflexivity can be used by researchers to manage their thoughts, feelings and preconceptions
How learning disability nurses can support self-management for people with asthma
Asthma is a long-term condition that requires patient education, support and close...
Resource Buddy: an online resource to support mindfulness-based interventions
Exploring the evidence base for mindfulness-based interventions for people with LDs
The Telford model: inspiring new leaders in learning disability nursing
Supporting and mentoring learning disability nursing students can be rewarding for all...
Reintegration of people with mental health problems or learning disabilities from prison
The benefits of a communication forum specifically in support of community reintegration
Features
Personalised end of life care for people with learning disabilities is the gold standard
Irene Tuffrey-Wijne advocates service-user involvement in decisions that affect them
Ensuring everyone has a voice: a communication tool for non-verbal patients
RCNi Nurse Awards student winners spread the word about their Makaton language resource
Learning disabilities team transforms hospital experience and culture of care
Team has reduced hospital stays and introduced 'champions' network and training
Don't forget about us, say parents of children with learning disabilities
Families explain how they feel there can be a lack of health and social care support
Oliver McGowan: mother wants compulsory LD training to be her son's legacy
Paula McGowan led campaign call at Positive Choices 2019 conference
Coach’s support helps hold down a job
A scheme gives coaching to people with a learning disability until they settle into a new job
Opinion
Can nursing associates solve our staffing crisis?
Learning disability nurses have disappeared from the register at an alarming rate
'I saw your behaviour as a form of communication'
An experience with a violent patient taught Hazel Molyneux why forming a rapport is vital
Watford FC opens its arms to people with learning disabilities
People with learning disabilities can feel a sense of connection by going to football matches, especially at clubs that welcome them creatively
Students
What to do when words fail
Communication problems are not uncommon when people with complex needs are admitted to hospital, and one nursing student is creating a toolkit that will include tips from specialists and signposting to additional support
Using positive reinforcement to manage violence and aggression
Reminding a service user with learning disabilities how much her behaviour had improved helped nursing student Bradley Squirrell successfully de-escalate a violent situation
A fresh take on medicines management for patients with a learning disability
Mental health nursing student Kirsty Killiard implemented a system for monitoring the use of ‘as required’ medication for patients on a forensic learning disability ward, earning her a place as a finalist in the RCNi Nurse Awards.
Careers
We saw first-hand how learning disability nurses helped our son
After witnessing their son’s care, a couple have decided to become learning disability nurses
‘Taking on a lone position has been a challenge. I love it’
Award-winning Penelope Clark moved her family 800 miles to take up a post as the only community liaison nurse for learning disabilities and autism on the remote Shetland Islands
It’s a real privilege to support a family at the end of their child’s life
Sabine Schwaebisch on her role as as a band 6 care team nurse in palliative care at Helen House Children’s Hospice, Oxford, where 95% of children have a learning disability