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Without specialist learning disability nurses, people with learning disabilities face increased health inequalities
New figures reveal unfilled nursing vacancies and a profession at tipping point
30 Mar 2026
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Nicola Ranger, RCN general secretary and chief executive
This is not about more responsibility, but recognition, and it will bring real change
12 Feb 2026
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People with Down’s syndrome continue to experience avoidable health inequalities and reduced life expectancy, and specialist learning disability nursing expertise is needed to address these issues
And learning disability nurses should be central to making the guidance work in practice
29 Jan 2026
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Evidence shows that the number of registered learning disability nurses has declined by 43% since 2009
Campaigners are right to lobby and apply pressure now as numbers dwindle
01 Dec 2025
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Advice for new nurses: illustration of a nurse smiling, with question marks and medical equipment in speech bubbles above her head
The wisdom of experience passed on by colleagues – and practical jokes to watch out for
14 Oct 2025
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he role of registered nurses in learning disabilities cannot be allowed to disappear as they play a key role in enhancing health outcomes and addressing inequalities

Government action is needed to strengthen the learning disability nursing workforce 

30 Sep 2025
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Advertised nursing job on a small island has almost all the makings of a perfect post
An advertised nursing job on a small island has almost all the makings of a perfect post
16 Sep 2025
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Learning disability nursing must be positioned as a compassionate profession
The profession must be positioned as clinically skilled, socially aware and vital
07 Aug 2025
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Newly registered nurses are unemployed and demoralised: young woman holds up a sign reading ‘need a job’
4 ways to fix the issue – but ministers, the NHS and our profession must pull together
15 Jul 2025
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Differentiation of nursing roles: a nursing associate with a patient
The blurring of roles between nursing associates and nurses can be detrimental to both
10 Jun 2025
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The proportion of learning disability nurses registered with the Nursing and Midwifery Council has declined over the past five years: a smiling learning disability nurse and client complete a written task
New study explores professional identity and why many are letting NMC registrations lapse
30 May 2025
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Repeating mandatory NHS training: a nurse rests her head on the desk as if she has fallen asleep in a training session
Staff can now transfer their completed training when they move to a new job
20 May 2025
Nurses face pay rates well below what they deserve, as trusts risk exacerbating shortages
29 Apr 2025
Learning disability nursing may be in a perilous state, but its worth could be underestimated
01 Apr 2025
Public trust is precious, and nurses should be able to rely on colleagues’ high standards
11 Mar 2025
With a rise in CPR-related referrals to the NMC, what nurses need is support
18 Feb 2025
The profession is at a crucial tipping point, but we can promote our outcome-driven value
27 Jan 2025
The proposal for a regulating body that holds managers to account is a step forward
21 Jan 2025

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