Perceptions of studying Learning Disability Nursing: Why I choose Learning Disability Nursing
My name is Minne, and I am a second year Learning Disability Nursing student at Edinburgh Napier University. I am also an autistic student who is passionate about helping to create resources to raise awareness and support neurodivergent healthcare students.
What is the best thing about Learning Disability Nursing?
Learning Disability Nursing is an amazing career choice to make: learning disability nurses support people of all ages in all kinds of settings, helping people overcome barriers, be more independent and feel more included in their local communities.
My journey
I got my autism diagnosis in my twenties. I was in denial that I was autistic. I ‘put on my mask’ and went out into the world. I knew little about autism and even less about myself.
In 2016, I got a paid position at a playscheme that provides fun and stimulating activities for autistic children. This was the best job I had ever had. I had worked with lion cubs, dolphins, and elephants in the past, but this did not replace the love that I had for supporting autistic children and their families. Being somebody who is autistic, I understood the challenges that the children faced, as I faced them too.
I subsequently worked in schools that support children and young people with mild, moderate, and profound learning disabilities. I loved working in the schools and wanted to do more for the children that I worked with, so I decided to apply to study Learning Disability Nursing at university.
I started my nursing journey in 2022. My journey as a student nurse has been challenging, but it has also been a wonderful journey to be on. I have been involved in opportunities that have taken me out of my comfort zone and helped me thrive in my studies.
Throughout my learning journey, I have learnt how busy student life can get, but I have also learnt how important it is to capture and cherish the smaller accomplishments that we make, particularly to our patients. The questions I ask myself are: did I provide exceptional person-centred care to a patient? Did I show a simple ‘act of kindness’ by spending time with a patient? Did I communicate using the patient’s preferred communication method? Did I show compassion when a patient was in distress.
In learning Disability Nursing, it is often the smaller things that we do for our patients that can have the biggest impact.
Nursing has taught me about the importance of ‘living in the moment’. The ‘here and now’ has taught me to leave the past behind and keep the future in the future, for when the time is right.
I have been wrapped up with the small things and I have forgotten the most important question of all: Why did I choose Learning Disability Nursing?
Learning Disability Nurses adopt a ‘person-centred approach’ when delivering care to patients. Person-centredness helps to create a special bond between a patient and nurse, built upon authenticity and trust.
My route into learning disability nursing has evolved from a ‘lived experience’ where I felt different from everybody else. It allowed me to develop a profound love of person-centred practices, valuing the uniqueness and individuality of the people I have supported.
Studying learning disability nursing has given me the strength to embrace my own differences and celebrate the unique personality I have as an autistic individual.
If you have been inspired by Minne’s story then check out our three-year undergraduate Learning Disability Nursing course.