📘 Module 1: The Role of a Learning Disability Nurse

💼 What is the Job?

Support people with learning disabilities
Help people stay healthy and safe
Promote independence
Work in homes, hospitals, and communities

❤️ Core Responsibilities

🧩 Individual care planning
🩺 Health checks and support
🗣️ Advocacy (speaking up)
👨‍👩‍👧 Supporting families
🤝 Working with other professionals

📘 Module 2: Person-Centred Care

🌟 What is Person-Centred Care?

Person-centred care means:

👉 The person is at the centre of everything
👉 We listen to what they want
👉 We respect their choices

🧩 Key Principles

Choice
Dignity
Respect
Independence
Inclusion

💬 Example

❌ Not person-centred:

“This is what we always do”

✅ Person-centred:

“What works best for you?”

📘 Module 3: Person-Centred Care Plans

📝 What is a Care Plan?

A written plan about someone’s needs
Explains how to support them

📋 What is Included?

Health needs
Communication needs
Likes and dislikes
Daily routines
Risks and safety

👤 Who is Involved?

The person
Family or carers
Nurses and professionals

👉 The person must always be involved where possible.

🔄 Review

Care plans must be checked regularly
Updated when things change

📘 Module 4: Communication Skills

🗣️ Different Ways to Communicate

Easy Read
Pictures and symbols
Makaton
Body language
Technology

👂 Good Communication Means

Listening carefully
Being patient
Giving time
Checking understanding

🔍 Non-Verbal Communication

👉 People may not say how they feel

Example:

Smiling but in pain
Quiet when upset

📘 Module 5: Health and Wellbeing

🩺 What Nurses Do

Health checks
Monitor conditions
Give medication
Support mental health

🧠 Mental Health Support

Anxiety
Depression
Behaviour support

📘 Module 6: Safeguarding

🛡️ What is Safeguarding?

Keeping people safe from harm

⚠️ Types of Abuse

Physical
Emotional
Sexual
Financial
Neglect

🚨 What to Do

Report concerns
Record information
Follow procedures

📘 Module 7: Law and Rights

⚖️ Why Law is Important

Protects people
Supports rights
Guides decisions

🧠 Mental Capacity / Incapacity

📌 Key Idea:

👉 Always assume a person has capacity unless proven otherwise

🧩 Mental Capacity Principles

People can make their own decisions
Support must be given to help them decide
People can make unwise decisions
Decisions must be in their best interests

📜 Examples of Laws

🇬🇧 UK:

Mental Capacity Act
Care Act
Equality Act

🇺🇸 USA:

Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)
Guardianship laws
Patient rights laws

👥 Best Interest Decisions

If someone cannot decide:

Involve family
Involve professionals
Choose the least restrictive option

📘 Module 8: Working with Others

🤝 Teamwork

Doctors
Social workers
Therapists
Families

📢 Why It Matters

Better care
Safer support
Shared knowledge

📘 Module 9: Training and Education

🎓 What You Need

🇬🇧

Degree in Learning Disability Nursing

🇺🇸

RN or LPN qualification
Extra training in disabilities

📚 What You Study

Nursing skills
Learning disabilities
Communication
Mental health
Safeguarding
Law and ethics

🧪 Assessment

Exams
Coursework
Placements
Practical skills

📘 Module 10: Work Placements

🏥 Where You Learn

Hospitals
Community teams
Supported living

🌟 Why It Matters

Real experience
Confidence building
Skill development

🧩 Activities (for Training Sessions)

✏️ Activity 1: Person-Centred Thinking

👉 Question:

What does this person like and dislike?

🎭 Activity 2: Role Play

One person = nurse
One person = patient

👉 Practice:

Asking questions
Listening
Supporting choices

🔍 Activity 3: Spot the Signs

👉 Scenario:

A person is quiet and not eating

Question:

What could be wrong?
What would you do?

🧠 Activity 4: Capacity