Re: Welcome to the new Learning Disability Nursing forum Originally Posted by springbokssa 
Hi all, I am a 38 y old student who would like to get into nurseing. I volunteer in a Learning Disability class at college and I really like it. Anyway I have aplied at a hospital as a support worker for LD. I got the job but at the interview I was told the patients have very challenging behaviour. I am just wondering what they mean by "very challenging behaviour" any help would really be appriciated
Thanks
I'm not sure, because I really don't know what type of hospital this is, but if this is an inpatient program, I am guessing your patients will also have psychiatric dxes. Learning disabilities do not themselves require hospitalization.
As far as what challenging behaviors ''could'' refer to.... self injurious behavior, aggression, obsessions and/or compulsions, lying, stealing, scheming, passive-aggression, paranoia and delusions are things that come immediately to mind, if in fact, these patients do have mental health issues in addition to learning disabilities.
Now, if this is a day program or clinic for individuals with developmental disabilities, I would guess you'd see more of the self injurious or aggressive behavior and less of the others that I suggested. Perhaps if you are offered the job, you should ask the hospital for clarification so that you have some idea what you are getting into. This field is definitely not for everyone any more than any other is, and there is no shame in making that decision.
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