Opinion

Comment

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Without specialist learning disability nurses, people with learning disabilities face increased health inequalities

New figures reveal unfilled nursing vacancies and a profession at tipping point

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Nicola Ranger, RCN general secretary and chief executive
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This is not about more responsibility, but recognition, and it will bring real change

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People with Down’s syndrome continue to experience avoidable health inequalities and reduced life expectancy, and specialist learning disability nursing expertise is needed to address these issues

And learning disability nurses should be central to making the guidance work in practice

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Evidence shows that the number of registered learning disability nurses has declined by 43% since 2009
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Campaigners are right to lobby and apply pressure now as numbers dwindle

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Advice for new nurses: illustration of a nurse smiling, with question marks and medical equipment in speech bubbles above her head
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The wisdom of experience passed on by colleagues – and practical jokes to watch out for

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he role of registered nurses in learning disabilities cannot be allowed to disappear as they play a key role in enhancing health outcomes and addressing inequalities

Government action is needed to strengthen the learning disability nursing workforce 

Expert advice

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Nurse and MasterChef finalist Sarah Danesin

Meal planning and prep to boost your nutrition on demanding shifts

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NHS pension opt-out and buy-back: two jars of money side by side, one nearly empty, one almost full

You may now be able to fill in your pension gap, but there are financial pitfalls too

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NHS pension advice: close-up of cash note with the word PENSION emblazoned on it

Facing redundancy can be disconcerting, and for NHS nursing staff it comes with critical pension considerations. If you are an active member in the NHS Pension Scheme on the date...

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Nurse witness at employment tribunal: woman viewed from behind faces three panellists in official surroundings

Your role in the process, whether testifying for a colleague, employer or in your own case

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NHS pension opt-out: nurse figure climbs up stepped piles of coins

Opting out of NHS pension if money is tight is turning your back on future income

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Asking for help as a nurse: a nurse gestures as she explains a point to a colleague

Ideas about coping can make it hard to ask for support. Here’s what you need to remember

Editorial

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National Children’s Nurses’ Day on 30 June, organised by the Association of British Paediatric Nurses, is an annual day dedicated solely to the profession Picture: iStock

Now is the time to mark our achievements despite unprecedented NHS pressures

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The new system will replace local commissioning groups

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People with learning disabilities and/or autism will need support to rebuild their lives

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CQC report acknowledges vulnerabilities of service users during COVID-19

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New law alone will not address unnecessary detentions of people with learning disabilities 

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Report reveals service users six times more likely to die than others during the first wave

Your views

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A nursing associate in training cares for a patient in a hospital bed

Fast-track programme for nursing associates is on the way. We ask readers what they think

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ex discrimination against men in nursing: male staff member appears under stress, female colleagues in the background

Can staff be kept safe in a way that doesn’t undermine workplace equality?

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Nurse working hours: exhausted nurse drawn draped over a clock

Case of one nurse’s NMC suspension raises issue of working beyond your contracted hours

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CPD for nurses: a nurse studying via the RCNi Learn website on an electronic pad

Some argue staying up to date requires more than an hour of CPD a month

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Confidential patient records: a woman looking at files on a laptop and holding a mobile phone in her hand that displays a padlock

Without such boundaries, public trust in the nursing profession would be compromised

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The nurse as superhero trope can be damaging: two nurses stand atop a cliff, hands on hips while wearing capes

Hero image puts pressure on nurses to neglect their well-being and work to excess

Reviews

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job coaches for adults with disabilities

Nicky Genders looks at a book focusing on the role of a job coach for people with LD

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Moulster and Griffiths

Michael Brown looks at a book focusing specifically on learning disability nursing models

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Girls and Autism

A new book focusing on girls and women on the autism spectrum

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Childhood obesity

Community nursing reference guide on nutrition and childhood obesity 

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Census

Novel about a dying man on a road trip with his son who has a learning disability

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Transition to Nursing Practice

Associate professor Nikki Welyczko reviews a text that is applicable to four fields of nursing practice

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