Learning Disability Practice
Editor's choice
Reports show what a difference learning disability nurses DO make
Care for service users would improve if there were more specialist nurses

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Nurses brand call to take on extra cleaning duties ‘ridiculous’ and ‘outrageous’
Hospital’s plan to cover staffing shortages sparks social media backlash
New training will help nurses avoid skin damage from gloves while reducing waste
Free online course for all care settings aims to curb excessive reliance on gloves
New CCTV images of missing nursing student as fourth man arrested
Police release images of Owami Davies on 7 July, the night she disappeared
Survey reveals mental health crisis for nurses in Wales since start of COVID-19 pandemic
Nearly three quarters of staff say their mental health has worsened, sparking retention fears
Crackdown on punitive fees that seek to prevent overseas nurses moving jobs
Move aimed at rogue employers means they can now only claim back genuine expenses
Missing nursing student: two men arrested on suspicion of murder
Police investigating the disappearance of Owami Davies from Essex continue to detain two men
Evidence and Practice
Preserving familiarity: the care needs of people with intellectual disabilities at the...
Why you should read this article: • To acknowledge that there is a growing number of people...
Identifying and managing malnutrition in people with learning disabilities
Malnutrition is a serious risk, but is under-recognised in this population
Predicting staff turnover in learning disability social care services
Identifying areas that can be addressed to reduce the turnover of staff
Functional loss in older adults with intellectual disabilities and dementia
In this population, functional loss could be an early indicator of dementia
Performing venesection in a person with a learning disability
Increase your awareness of how to make venesection a positive experience for service users
Reducing the use of restrictive practices by applying a human rights-based approach
Enhance your understanding of the need to reduce the use of restrictive practices
Features
Integrated care systems: why they’re going to matter to you (if they don’t already)
A seamless health and care system sounds like the perfect plan – but will ICSs work?
Specialist nurse team’s sleep project helps children with severe learning disabilities
Nurses trained as sleep counsellors and ran online workshops to support families and carers
Are children with learning disabilities getting enough mental health support?
Learning disability nurses need to highlight the mental health needs of young people
What inspired me to become a nurse – and why I choose to stay
Nurses reflect on their route into the profession and what keeps them motivated
COVID-19: remembering the nursing staff who have lost their lives
Colleagues and families pay tribute to nursing professionals who have died across the UK
How you can help reduce appointment anxiety for people with learning disabilities
Ensuring reasonable adjustments are made can make the experience better for everyone
Opinion
How you can help shape and develop guidance supporting the Down Syndrome Act 2022
Under the new act healthcare providers must meet specific needs and nurses’ input is key
Why meaningful connections with non-verbal people can bring such joy
People with profound and multiple learning disabilities and healthcare staff can benefit
Reports show what a difference learning disability nurses DO make
Care for service users would improve if there were more specialist nurses
Students
Coping with patient death: preparing for your clinical placement
We answer some common questions on care after death and supporting families
Watch: advice for students on supporting your health and well-being
Why common stress tips may not be helpful, and strategies to help you look after yourself
What to expect from a placement in social care
You’ll learn core skills in a nurse-led environment and support people in the community
Careers
Framework for a career: how general practice nursing is being transformed
A new framework for general practice provides a structure for career and role development
Becoming a chief nurse: what I’ve learned in the first year
Taking on a senior leadership role in the wake of a pandemic is not easy – here are my tips
My first time in charge of a ward: what it taught me about delegation and leadership
Being in charge can seem daunting but go for it if you get the chance – and here’s why