Learning Disability Practice
Editor's choice
Planet Rachael: schools need training to support pupils on the autistic spectrum
Ignorance could damage our children, says Wendy Johnson
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Adult social care nursing: NMC chief champions ‘disregarded and undermined’ staff
Andrea Sutcliffe says they display a high level of knowledge, skills and competence
Children’s and learning disability nursing in Wales: no extra university places planned
Failure to expand fields’ student cohorts at odds with government’s NHS vision, says RCN
Mandatory training in learning disabilities and autism for all NHS nurses
Campaigners say £1.4m package for England is ‘first step in addressing care inequalities’
Nike launches a range of shoes to support nurses during long shifts
Testing by healthcare staff informed the design of their ‘fit, cushioning and traction’
Welsh Labour withdraws political broadcast that features an actor playing a nurse
Parties must clarify use of actors if the audience could be ‘misled’ by their appearance
Tributes paid to a proud pioneer of agency nursing
Jean Higgins ran an early nurse recruitment agency set up for the benefit of the NHS
Evidence and Practice
Exploring mental health issues in people with an intellectual disability
Why you should read this article • Mental health concerns in people with intellectual...
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
PBS Festival 2019 encourages positive approach to behaviour that challenges
Event attracted practitioners and people with learning disabilities and their families
Is your client at risk of forced marriage?
How nurses can help people with learning disabilities who are at risk of forced marriage
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
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