Learning Disability Nursing

[toadflax]

Hi Everyone!

Well, I had my interview at Nursing College in Scotland this morning. I felt it went very well - it was informal and friendly. Unfortunately I have to wait until May/June to hear back.

I also have a job interview tomorrow afternoon at my local hospital for a Nurse Aux to get me started.......... I am 36 and my main work background is in admin so it'll be quite a change for me.

At the interview they told me that out of 120 candidates only 11 were applying to do Learning Disability Nursing and the previous year that figure was only 3.

Are there any LD Nurses out there who can give me a bit more insight into a typical day, please? I am surprised we can't decide in our 3rd year what to specialise in (ie, after we've done placements to get a feel for the work) but we have to decide going in and I picked LD.

Why is it poorly subscribed? Is it simply that most would-be nurses want to be on the busy wards in a hospital setting?

Many thanks for any replies.

[Frankcah]

Learning disability nursing is massive, but unfortunately, I believe it to be perceived as the poorer relation to the big guns such as pschy or general. It does not have the same mass appeal or publicity as other branches and I dont recall ever the LD equivilant of Casualty; Holby; ER...

There are so many different areas to the field and it really depends on your personality/experiences/skills as to which area you find the most rewarding and hence the most stimulating.

I have worked predominately in challenging behaviours for most of my career but have had stints in profound LD, community, youth services...

I love it! We never have 2 days the same, you get to build up relationships with the patients and the team support and comeraderie are great! I am not saying others do not have this, but there are certainly great benefits to being an LD nurse!

[toadflax]

Thanks so much for your helpful reply. I am sorry I didn't get back to you before.

Yes, I see what you mean about TV progs such as ER, Holby, etc and there not being an LD equivalent. I can see how that could well affect popularity. I feel I've made the right choice for me and I like what you say about really getting to know your patients and no 2 days being the same. I'd like that. Also being in different environments from time to time would suit me, I think.

Well, I am pleased to report that I have been given a conditional place!! Just found out today. It's subject to a criminal record check and my health assessment. My health is very good but I really could do with losing a couple of stone so will try to shift that before August which is when I get assessed. There's a bit of incentive for me!

The other news I have is that last Sat I went to see about a part-time job (18 hours over Fri eve and Sat/Sun day) at a centre for people with LDs. I met some of the people there. Several have cerebral palsy to varying degrees. I liked the manageress immediately and got a good vibe from the place. It's charity-run and does stuff like hold birthday parties for their patients and encourages any relatives to come up and spend time with them. They also get to have their rooms decorated as they wish. One of their patients have just moved out into the community. I guess she wasn't so severely disabled as some, but that must be a great feeling to be able to do that for someone. They also offer respite care. I should be starting there soon. If I like it, it'll be great experience and it's a bit extra income to top up my bursary.

I feel so happy and psyched that I am finally taking control of my working life. I've spent 15 years bored to tears in admin and have to get out!!!

:)