Diversity and change: the changing roles and education of learning disability nurses

This report examines the current roles of learning disability (LD) nurses within multi-professional and multi-agency teams in a range of care settings. It also studies the effectiveness of current educational provision for LD nursing and the contribution of users and carers. Chapter 1 describes the following research methods: questionnaires; case studies; nurse diaries; and focus groups. Chapter 2 traces development of services for people with LDs and the associated development of LD nursing. Chapter 3 examines the current roles of LD nurses and finds that the role of junior nurses is as provider of direct user care, with more experienced nurses moved into more specialist or managerial roles. Chapter 4 explores relationships between user and LD nurses and finds that the role of the LD nurse is as a source of expertise and support. Chapter 5 looks at ways educational institutions approach nursing education and reports they aim to produce flexible nurses who have the ability to adjust to changing situations through lifelong learning. Perceptions of the learning process, especially the development of appropriate skills and findings nurses believe nurses' knowledge has improved, their skills are reduced, and they are not as well-prepared for practice are examined in chapter 6. Chapter 7 is a summary and highlights items that need to be addressed in the nursing curriculum.