Learning Disability Nurse

Typical Salary

£24,907 To £37,890

Typical Hours

38 to 40 a week

evenings / weekends / bank holidays on shifts

How To Become a Learning Disability Nurse

You can get into this job through:

a university course
an apprenticeship

College / University

You can do a degree in learning disability nursing approved by the Nursing & Midwifery Council.

a health-related subject
psychology
life sciences
social work

4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English, maths and science

2 or 3 A levels, including a science, or a level 3 diploma or access to higher education in

Apprenticeship

You may be able to do a degree apprenticeship in nursing if you work in a healthcare setting like a hospital.

4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C) and A levels, or equivalent, for a degree apprenticeship

Routes into this Career

Routes into this Career are not listed for this job.

Other Routes

Other Routes are not listed for this job.

Skills And Knowledge

You'll need:

sensitivity and understanding
to enjoy working with other people
the ability to understand people’s reactions
concentration skills
the ability to work well with others
the ability to use your initiative
to be flexible and open to change
active listening skills
to be able to carry out basic tasks on a computer or hand-held device

Day To Day Tasks

Your day-to-day duties, you might give practical help and encourage patients to:

look after their personal hygiene
dress
use public transport
go on shopping trips
develop leisure interests or community activities
make and attend appointments
find a job

Working Environment

You could work in the community, at an adult care home, at a client's home or in an NHS or private hospital.

Your working environment may be physically and emotionally demanding.

You may need to wear a uniform.

Career Path & Progression

With further study and experience you could become an advanced nurse practitioner (ANP), clinical nurse specialist (CNS) or nurse consultant. Consultants work directly and independently with patients, carry out research and develop and deliver training.

You could lead a team of nurses in a residential setting or manage a learning disability unit. You could also move into other management roles, like community matron or director of nursing.

You could also go on to train as a health visitor.

Volunteering Opportunities

You'll find it helpful to get some paid or voluntary experience in social care or healthcare work before you apply for nurse training.

Tips & Information

Registration

you'll need to register with the Nursing and Midwifery Council

Career tips

It's possible to do a degree in learning disabilities nursing and social work. You'll need to check that the course is recognised by the relevant professional bodies. Course providers can advise you on this.

Further information

You can find out more about becoming a learning disability nurse from the Nursing & Midwifery Council and Health Careers.

Restrictions & Requirements

You'll need to:

pass enhanced background checks