On International Nurses Day (12 May 2025), NHS England in the North West is shining a light on incredible and compassionate work of learning disability nurses encourage people to consider a career in the profession.

Learning disability nurses are highly specialised and compassionate nurses who play a critical role in supporting individuals with learning disabilities to lead fulfilling and independent lives and address their, sometimes complex, health and social care needs.

With an aging population and increasing demand for personalised care, the NHS in the North West is looking for more compassionate people who want to help transform the lives of people with learning disabilities.

To celebrate International Nurses Day and highlight the vital work learning disability nurses do across the North West, nurses have shared their personal experiences about what they love most about the profession.

Sandra Watkins is a Student Nursing Associate and Learning Disability Mentor at Mersey Care NHS Foundation Trust. Sandra qualified as a learning disability Nurse 38 years ago, highlighting her desire to help people. She said: “I wanted to support people with a learning disability to live their best life and to ensure they received the high-quality care they deserve.”

“Being a registered nurse in learning disabilities enables you to contribute to many different services within healthcare.

“During my time as a learning disability nurse, I have supported people to make sure their mental and physical health needs are met, improve understanding about why people sometimes behave in way that causes concern.”

“I have also been provided with many opportunities to expand my skills and knowledge and support people with their diagnosis of autism. I am so glad I chose to be a registered nurse in learning disabilities and wouldn’t want to do anything else!”

Michelle McAteer is a Community Learning Disability Nurse and Specialist Practice Qualification Apprentice in the Lancaster Adult Community Learning Disability Team at Lancashire and South Cumbria NHS Foundation Trust. Michelle progressed to this role through the apprenticeship route, highlighting the many ways to enter this profession.

Speaking about her role and the impact she makes each day, Michelle said: “The three things I love about my job and working with people with a learning disability are; the wonderful people I get to meet, no two days being the same, and the pride I take in being part of a fantastic team, who live and breathe the trust values.

“I’m proud of the difference I make to people’s lives and supporting the future generation of nurses. We are all unique and that should be celebrated. People with a learning disability should be seen and their contribution to society recognised.”

Dr Nicola Morrell-Scott, Nursing Workforce Senior Manager at NHS England in the North West is encouraging people to consider learning disability nursing careers. She said: “Nurses in this field have the opportunity to work with amazing people and families, and in a variety of different settings, such as in the community, in hospitals and even in schools.

“If you’re looking to kick-start your nursing career, or you’re a registered nurse who is looking to enhance your skills and try something new, I’d encourage you to look into this rewarding profession. Learning disability nursing is not just a job, it’s a chance to build a fairer society and empower those who need it most.”

Bethany Jolliffe is a Children’s Learning Disability Nurse in the Bury Community Learning Disability Team at Pennine Care NHS Foundation Trust. Bethany highlights how we can change the narrative around nursing and learning disabilities. She said: “When most people think of nursing, they imagine helping someone get better, fixing people.

“But people with a learning disability do not need fixing. The role isn’t about changing them; it’s about helping the world around them to change, to become better, more understanding, and more inclusive.

“Throughout history, health services have too often let people with learning disabilities down, and it is a privilege to be part of the solution. That’s why I chose to be a learning disability nurse.”

Adele Barber is an Advanced Nurse Practitioner and NMP in Learning Disabilities, currently working at Cheshire and Wirral Partnership NHS Foundation Trust. Adele qualified as a registered nurse in learning disabilities which enabled her to work in a range of both inpatient and community services across the North West.

Speaking about her role and the development she has made, Adele said: “I was given the opportunity to complete a Specialist Practitioner Community Degree as a secondment, which fortunately led to achieving a lead nurse post on completion.

“I have continued to progress, and I currently work within an NHS employer who invested and values the long-term future of learning disability nurses, which led me to go on and complete an MSC in Advanced Clinical Practice including achieving a non-medical prescribing qualification.”

“My career in learning disability nursing has required drive and determination to achieve a successful career to date.”

“I feel extremely fortunate and proud in continuing to practice as a learning disability nurse with over 30 years’ experience. I am currently able to practice at an advanced level, demonstrating autonomy and complex decisions making that is making a positive difference to the health needs of people with learning disabilities.”

James McLean, Regional Chief Nurse for NHS England in the North West, has wished all nurses across the region a very happy International Nurses Day. He said: “Today is an opportunity for us to thank and celebrate our amazing nursing workforce for the outstanding care they provide to patients, families and communities each and every day.

“Nursing is a highly skilled, evidence-based profession that works across all settings, leading innovation, driving improvements, and championing better care.

“Nurses are at the heart of the NHS, primary care and secondary care, and I’m incredibly proud of all my nursing colleagues for making a difference even when faced with challenges.”

For more information about nursing careers, visit: www.healthcareers.nhs.uk/we-are-the-nhs/nursing-careers​. To learn more about nursing apprenticeships, visit: NHS apprenticeships | NHS Health Careers