Learning Disability Nursing: Developing Professional Practice

Explores all aspects of professional development in learning disability nursing from the foundations to advanced practice.

Key themes running through the book include the importance of a human rights and values-based approach, the development of person-centred approaches to care and support, and the need to work in partnership with key stakeholders, including people with learning disabilities and their families. It encourages readers to make links between theory and practice and to develop their skills in critical thinking through case studies and reflective activities.

This is a must-have book for all undergraduate nurses studying to become Registered Nurses (Learning Disability), specifically linked to achieving the outcomes required within the NMC Standards for Nurse Education (2018).

It is also of relevance to qualified learning disability nurses, those studying to become Registered Nurses (Intellectual Disabilities) in Ireland, as well as nursing students in general who should have a good working knowledge of learning disability practice.

Ruth Northway is Professor of Learning Disability Nursing at the University of South Wales and has over 30 years’ experience of working in nurse education. During this time she has been involved in curriculum development, and module and course delivery at both undergraduate and postgraduate levels. Her current role continues to see her directly involved in the education of learning disability nurses as well as in developing learning disability research, and involvement in wider professional groups and networks. She was a member of the Thought Leadership Group that developed the Standards of Proficiency for Registered Nurses (NMC, 2018).

Paula Hopes has worked as a senior lecturer in two universities, educating future nurses and other aspirant health professionals in meeting the health and well-being needs of people with learning disabilities. She is an external examiner at Limerick University and has worked in universities in England and Wales, so has a knowledge of the varied drivers, policies and influences on nurse education as well as the experience of people with learning disabilities and their families. She has taught at pre- and post-registration level and has supervised the academic work of students and registrants. She is the Welsh representative at the Learning Disability Professional Senate and co-chair of the UK Learning Disability Nurse Consultant Network.