How did you get into learning disability nursing?
I was really driven by social justice, care rights, human rights and people having a sense of belonging. I hadn’t thought of nursing as a career and found a support worker role working with people with learning disabilities. I really enjoyed it and it went from there. I have been working with people with learning disabilities for 33 years and been in nursing for 31 years.
What do you love about learning disability nursing?
Meeting people and their families. Working in learning disability nursing is life changing for me and hopefully life-improving for the people I work with. I get to support people who are sometimes at their lowest. It’s a privilege to support their health and wellbeing.
What are some of the highlights of your career so far?
Supporting Peter, who had a learning disability, who was involved in the work of the RCN. He has sadly died but got a standing ovation when he spoke at RCN Congress, helping people understand his health and how to support him. It was great to see people interested and celebrating his work, as well as to hear his call out for more learning disability nurses and why they are so important. I feel strongly that it is people with learning disabilities and their families who need to lead change and policy, and shape the future.
Another highlight has been my recent appointment to the World Health Organization Europe Advisory Group on Disability & Health and being able to support people with learning disabilities on the global stage.
Why is learning disability nursing so important?
Sadly we know that people with a learning disability die much younger than others in society. And at a time when some people are questioning the role of learning disability nurses and our numbers are dwindling, what we really need is more learning disability nurses. Our role is unique, we are specifically trained to meet the holistic health needs of people with learning disabilities.
Jim says if you are interested in having a brilliant career, in enabling and enhancing people’s lives, with them and for them, you should find out more about learning disability nursing.
