Personal characteristics and skills required (learning disability nursing)

This page has information on the personal characteristics and skills needed for learning disability nursing. 

Learning disability nurses focus on managing their clients’ needs over a longer time, often having to be creative to achieve results. You’ll need patience and have highly-developed, flexible communication skills. The job can be stressful and demanding so self-awareness helps. You’ll sometimes need to be assertive to ensure people with a learning disability do not suffer discrimination. Sensitive human interaction is also a core skill. 

Learning disability nurse with patient

You’ll be responsible for people with a range of needs so being highly organised, flexible and able to prioritise effectively will be vital. A good nurse is also highly observant, able to assess patients and take responsibility for determining the best course of action. 

On a daily basis you’ll need to use a broad range of skills, including: 

  • listening and communication
  • problem solving 
  • good judgement 
  • offering advice

Values and behaviours

If you're applying for a role either directly in the NHS or in an organisation that provides NHS services, you'll be asked to show how you think the NHS values apply in your everyday work. The same will be true if you are applying for a university course funded by the NHS.

Find out more about the NHS values.

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