Publish date: 21 June 2023
a student learning disability nurse at the Trust
This week, Learning Disability Week takes centre stage (19-23 June). It's a time when we come together to strengthen the voices and experiences of those living with learning disabilities; challenging misconceptions, breaking down barriers, and highlighting their remarkable achievements.
To help shine a spotlight on the week, we spoke to Jess Livingstone, a dedicated learning disabilities (LD) student nurse making an impact in all that she does. Jess has been an invaluable member of our Trust since April and is in her final year at Kingston University. Throughout her journey, she has been spending time across The Orchard, Tony Hillis Wing and Three Bridges Unit which she says have all been “incredibly valuable learning experiences“ for her.
Reflecting on her experiences, Jess says:
“I've had the incredible opportunity to work with service users to provide easy-read documentation, create accessible care plans and resources to support services users with a learning disability, and engage in their care in a more meaningful way. I’ve benefitted from the breadth of knowledge that mental health nurses and wider team have shared with me, and I’ve seen the positive impact of Registered Mental Health Nurses (RMNs) and Registered Learning Disability Nurses (RNLDs) working alongside each other can make for service users – both those with and without a learning disability."
Before embarking on her nursing journey, Jess dedicated time to charitable work aimed at supporting people with learning disabilities to live more independently and engage in activities that were meaningful to them.
She says: “I came across LD nursing whilst researching new job opportunities. I’d not heard of it before but I’m so glad that I began my training as it has been incredible. I’ve learnt so much and I’m excited to qualify into the profession."
"Learning disability nurses do many things, but largely focus their time on engaging patients in their own care and how it evolves, and educating staff and colleagues.”
“I love being able to work in a role that works towards improving the quality of care that people with learning disabilities receive. My hope is that as LD nurses become more visible across the Trust, more staff and patients will be able to see the value in having them as part of the workforce.”
"One of my favourite things (amongst many), about being an LD nurse is how creative you get to be. I love working in partnership with service users to support them to be involved in their care how they would like to be supported; whether it be through creating a more accessible document or providing alternative ways of working that might suit a person with a LD more. I love being able to support service users to be more engaged in their care."
Jess's placement at the Trust has been a cherished chapter in her journey. The warmth and support she has received from colleagues and mentors have left a mark on her heart.
“I’ve absolutely loved my placement here. I’ve been so welcomed and supported and I’m incredibly grateful that the Trust took me on as an LD student nurse! I’m really looking forward to qualifying in the summer and starting at the Trust as a newly qualified Learning Disabilities Nurse.“
This Learning Disabilities Week let’s celebrate the value and expertise learning disability nurses like Jess bring to enhance care quality and inclusivity for people with learning disabilities. Thank you for all you do!
Find out more about our community team for people with learning disabilities here.