Registered nurses (learning disabilities) help people with a range of physical and mental health conditions to achieve as much as they can in their daily lives. They assess clients’ needs, both physical and emotional, and provide appropriate care and support.
The Work
You could be:
helping clients with everyday activities like attending to personal hygiene, socialising, using public transport, shopping, handling money, keeping appointments or doing simple jobs
helping them manage emotional problems such as aggression, anger or excessive shyness
working out care plans for clients
arranging and taking part in social and working activities for clients
teaching new skills
helping clients cope with any additional problems such as epilepsy, speech or hearing problems
keeping records of clients’ development and progress
giving specialist advice to other health care professionals.
Pay
Nurses working for the NHS are paid on the Agenda for Change pay scale. The current pay scales are from April 2025. A newly qualified nurse is on Band 5, £33,247 to £41,424 a year. A senior or specialist nurse is on Band 6, £41,608 to £50,702 a year.
Conditions
You could work in a hospital or residential home, or in the community, where you would visit clients in their own homes.
Working in the community might involve working alone often.
You might travel with clients on public transport to teach them independence.
To become a registered nurse (learning disabilities) you need a degree in nursing (SCQF Level 9-10).
Entry requirements for degree courses are usually 3-4 Highers and one or more subjects at National 5, preferably including English and Maths or a science subject. Courses last 3-4 years, depending on the institution.
Edinburgh Napier and Glasgow Caledonian universities offers a 3-year degree course in nursing (learning disabilities). For entry requirements, see course entries on Planit - Edinburgh Napier and Glasgow Caledonian University.
An Access to nursing course may also give entry. However, always check that the course is accepted by the university or college you want to go to before you apply.
You could start as a Nursing Support Worker and complete the Open University 4 year BSc Nursing (Learning Disabilities) programme part time.
You will require a satisfactory criminal record check from Disclosure Scotland to show that you are suitable for this type of work. Contact Disclosure Scotland for details on the type you would need.
You should have a good level of physical fitness. You will undergo health screening.
When you complete your training you must register with the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC).
Previous experience in a paid or voluntary role in a health care setting would be an advantage.
Jobs are mainly in the National Health Service (NHS), in the community, in social work units and in nursing homes. You could also work in private hospitals, or for agencies. You can find NHS job vacancies in Scotland by visiting NHS Scotland Jobs.
able to get on well with people from all backgrounds
able to communicate with people with speech and comprehension difficulties
a good listener
very observant and able to act on your own initiative
willing to take responsibility for others
confident in making decisions
able to assess what is best for the patient
resourceful and able to cope with emergencies
able to remain calm in stressful situations.
You should also be:
able to teach and encourage patients to develop their skills
patient and understanding
compassionate and sensitive.
Training
Once you have gained your NMC registration, training is on the job. There are ongoing requirements for education and skills development.
During your first year as a qualified nurse you would get extra support and guidance through the Flying Start Programme.
To continue working as a nurse you must renew your registration with the NMC every three years.
Getting On
With further learning and experience you could progress to senior, advanced or consultant level.
To renew your NMC registration you must keep your skills and knowledge up to date, by undertaking at least 35 hours of relevant Continuing Professional Development (CPD) and 450 of practice hours every three years. Full details can be found on NMC website.
Once you have gained experience you may wish to choose a specialism such as autism or epilepsy.
You might specialise in working with children or older people.
British nursing qualifications are recognised in many overseas countries, so you could work abroad.
2025
