Publish date: 23 June 2023
As part of Learning Disability Week (19-25 June), we’re taking the opportunity to shed a light on the important roles of our Learning Disability Nurses. Today, we’re delighted to introduce you to James Layzell, a Registered Learning Disability Nurse (RNLD) at The Orchard Medium Secure Unit (MSU).
James has been in his role at the Trust since last September when he graduated from Kingston University in 2022. In this blog, he shares a glimpse of his journey and the passion that propelled him into this field.
“I’ve always wanted to help others and got the inspiration from my mum who was a nurse before she retired. She has since become a big source of advice and guidance to me."
"I found my way into nursing after a period of unemployment. A family friend recognised my potential as a nurse, which led me to explore a learning disability course at Kingston University. I just had a good feeling about it and ultimately led me to being a part of the Trust and working in the Women’s Forensic Unit, The Orchard."
"As a Learning Disability Nurse in the Orchard, my primary objective is to raise awareness about learning disabilities among our dedicated team. I also help adapt our practices to the needs of patients that have a learning disability or autism. I’m currently looking into adapting our practices around seclusion care plans. My focus is to better suit the needs of patients and to promote the 'Give Me Five' principles:
- Address diagnostic overshadowing
- Health issues and how they relate to people with a learning disability and autism
- Consistently engaging individual and their families in care evolution
- Education in action with, and for colleagues modelling practice
- Law, Mental Capacity Act, Equality Act & Human Rights Act."
"Being an integral part of the forensic nursing team has been an amazing experience, allowing me to grow both professionally and personally. It’s given me a platform to merge my passion for learning disability nursing with a deep understanding of mental health."
"The Trust have been brilliant to work with and I’ve been encouraged to push myself further in my career."
Jim Blair works with the Trust as a Consultant Learning Disability Nurse and supports James in his work. He says: “Together we can change the narrative to showcase lives, abilities, talents, and skills of people with a learning disability and their families, by directly involving them in how things evolve.”
“Everyone has worth. We each add value.”
Earlier this week, Jess Livingstone shared her experiences as a Learning Disability Student Nurse.
Find out more about rewarding careers in nursing at the Trust here.