The 1st of November is marked across the UK as Learning Disability Nurses’ Day – as on this day in 1919, the first Registered Nurse in Learning Disability was registered. Marion Hamilton was based at Stoneyetts Hospital near Glasgow and back then she would have been known as a Mental Deficiency Nurse – and a professional body for Psychiatrists, the Royal Medico-Psychological Association, would have overseen her registration. So much has changed in 105 years!
The Unique Skills of Learning Disability Nurses
Learning disability nursing is one of the most impactful areas of healthcare. In addition to providing physical care, Registered Nurses in Learning Disabilities create an environment of understanding, trust, and advocacy for individuals who often face barriers in accessing equitable healthcare.
We are experts in communication, often using creative methods like Makaton, visual aids, and personalised strategies to ensure that every individual we support can express themselves. We are problem solvers, advocates, and champions of equality.
Whether working in hospitals, communities, or specialist settings, learning disability nurses bridge gaps between health and social care, ensuring holistic support that considers the emotional, mental, and physical well-being of those being cared for.
Learning Disability Nurses’ Day is an opportunity to celebrate the dedication, compassion, and exceptional skills of learning disability nurses who make a transformative impact on the lives of people with learning disabilities, their families, and the wider community. This day is not only a celebration of the work these nurses do, but also a powerful reminder of the importance of recognising, supporting, and sustaining this vital profession for the future.
A Profession at Risk
But while today is about celebrating the tremendous contributions of learning disability nurses, the specialism is under threat. The number of learning disability nurses has been steadily declining in recent years due to fewer people choosing to enter this field while many experienced nurses are approaching retirement.
The latest Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) data indicates there are around 16,500 registered learning disability nurses on the NMC register in the UK, a drop from about 19,000 in 2013. Around 3,000 of these work for the NHS in England, 45% fewer than only 15 years ago. Meanwhile, demand for their skills continues to rise.
Without enough learning disability nurses, there is a real risk that people will not receive the specialist care they need and should expect. A shortage of learning disability nurses will lead to an increase in health inequalities, poorer health outcomes, and a loss of independence for many vulnerable individuals.
Time for Action
Whether you’re in health care, education, or policy, there are steps we can all take to raise the profile of learning disability nursing and encourage the next generation of compassionate, skilled nurses to take up the mantle.
Learning disability nurses must have a louder voice in health care decision-making to continue to improve health outcomes for people who are often marginalised.
For individuals considering a career in nursing, learning disability nursing offers a unique opportunity to specialise in an area where your contributions will have a lasting, life-changing impact.
And for nursing staff, it’s essential to advocate for the rights and needs of people with learning disabilities and recognise the irreplaceable role learning disability nurses play.
On 22 November 2024 the RCN is hosting a Learning Disability Nursing Workforce Summit. This event will bring together key stakeholders for the profession, including people with learning disabilities and other lived experiences to examine what collaborative action will bring about change.
Looking Forward with Hope
For Learning Disability Nurses’ Day, we say thank you to every learning disability nurse for your unwavering dedication, your unique skills, and the difference you make every single day. Let’s ensure that we support this invaluable specialism within the nursing profession, so it not only survives but continues to change the lives of those they work with for generations to come.
The Unique Skills of Learning Disability Nurses
Learning disability nursing is one of the most impactful areas of healthcare. In addition to providing physical care, Registered Nurses in Learning Disabilities create an environment of understanding, trust, and advocacy for individuals who often face barriers in accessing equitable healthcare.
We are experts in communication, often using creative methods like Makaton, visual aids, and personalised strategies to ensure that every individual we support can express themselves. We are problem solvers, advocates, and champions of equality.
Whether working in hospitals, communities, or specialist settings, learning disability nurses bridge gaps between health and social care, ensuring holistic support that considers the emotional, mental, and physical well-being of those being cared for.
Learning Disability Nurses’ Day is an opportunity to celebrate the dedication, compassion, and exceptional skills of learning disability nurses who make a transformative impact on the lives of people with learning disabilities, their families, and the wider community. This day is not only a celebration of the work these nurses do, but also a powerful reminder of the importance of recognising, supporting, and sustaining this vital profession for the future.
A Profession at Risk
But while today is about celebrating the tremendous contributions of learning disability nurses, the specialism is under threat. The number of learning disability nurses has been steadily declining in recent years due to fewer people choosing to enter this field while many experienced nurses are approaching retirement.
The latest Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) data indicates there are around 16,500 registered learning disability nurses on the NMC register in the UK, a drop from about 19,000 in 2013. Around 3,000 of these work for the NHS in England, 45% fewer than only 15 years ago. Meanwhile, demand for their skills continues to rise.
Without enough learning disability nurses, there is a real risk that people will not receive the specialist care they need and should expect. A shortage of learning disability nurses will lead to an increase in health inequalities, poorer health outcomes, and a loss of independence for many vulnerable individuals.
Time for Action
Whether you’re in health care, education, or policy, there are steps we can all take to raise the profile of learning disability nursing and encourage the next generation of compassionate, skilled nurses to take up the mantle.
Learning disability nurses must have a louder voice in health care decision-making to continue to improve health outcomes for people who are often marginalised.
For individuals considering a career in nursing, learning disability nursing offers a unique opportunity to specialise in an area where your contributions will have a lasting, life-changing impact.
And for nursing staff, it’s essential to advocate for the rights and needs of people with learning disabilities and recognise the irreplaceable role learning disability nurses play.
On 22 November 2024 the RCN is hosting a Learning Disability Nursing Workforce Summit. This event will bring together key stakeholders for the profession, including people with learning disabilities and other lived experiences to examine what collaborative action will bring about change.
Looking Forward with Hope
For Learning Disability Nurses’ Day, we say thank you to every learning disability nurse for your unwavering dedication, your unique skills, and the difference you make every single day. Let’s ensure that we support this invaluable specialism within the nursing profession, so it not only survives but continues to change the lives of those they work with for generations to come.
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