Learning Disability Nursing Study
Study context
The team are currently working on a project titled: Exploring Learning Disability Nurses’ Perspectives on NMC Registration: Implications for Students and Individuals Living with a Learning Disability.
Aims
- To investigate RNLDs (Learning Disability Nurses) perceptions of registration with the NMC
- To explore RNLDs perceptions about the impact of RNLDs on people living with a learning disability and the future of learning disability nursing
- To ascertain where RNLDs nurses are working and in what capacity/role
- To explore the impact of this work on their identity as a RNLD
- To investigate student RNLDs experiences of practice placements and perception of the role/future of the RNLD
- To understand the impact of the reduction of RNLDs on the future workforce
- To explore wider stakeholders’ perceptions of the value of RNLD nurses
- To understand the impact of RNLDs on the experiences of individuals living with a learning disability and their carers
Project updates
- We collaborated with digital artist Noah Joe and our expert‑by‑experience Aaron Hume to co‑create a comic for children aged 11+. The comic introduces what it means to be an RNLD and is based on insights from our research. It uses creative storytelling to help make LD nursing more visible and relatable for young people. You can access it here.
- A knowledge exchange event was held at the University of Salford on November 21st, 2025, view the programme for the event
- The team is currently preparing two journal articles: one exploring student experiences, and another presenting a cross-case analysis of perspectives from people with lived experience, RNLDs, and other stakeholders. Watch this space for updates!
Project team
- Professor Vanessa Heaslip
- Professor Claire Pryor
- Dr Lorraine Henshaw
- Mr Dan Redfearn
- Dr Siobhan Kelly
- Dr Lorna Chesterton
- Mr Aaron Hume