The Perceptions of Experienced Community Learning Disability Nurses of their Roles and Ways of Working

Abstract

In Wales, 20 experienced Community Learning Disability Nurses (CLDNs) each with over 5 years of working in community settings were interviewed in order to ascertain how they perceived their roles and ways of working. They described a diverse range of activities that included addressing the health, social, psychological and educational needs of people with learning disabilities. Whereas job satisfaction appeared high, a need to better communicate their role to others was identified, along with the need for a more targeted approach to their practice. They reported an aim to establish a stronger health identity with closer links to the Primary Health Care Team. Whereas it was felt that the CLDN role was valuable, some of those interviewed were unsure as to its long-term survival. It was also noted that there was an inconsistency across localities as to how the skills of CLDNs were being used, for example, in relation to the provision of residential services and services for children.