Learning disability placement: what experience will I gain?

Nursing students in every field need to know how to support and provide appropriate care for people with learning disabilities, and challenge health inequalities

Spending time with learning disability nurses can help nursing students in all fields of practice improve care for a group of patients who often face significant barriers.

‘It gives awareness,’ says senior lecturer in learning disability nursing Sam Humphrey, of De Montfort University in Leicester. He believes it can be especially important for students at universities where there isn’t a learning disability nursing programme.

Placements raise awareness of health inequalities

‘It may be their only way of gaining experience to be able to support people with learning disabilities, who you’re going to see whatever field