Around two to three per cent of people have an intellectual disability. Intellectual disability nurses help such people to lead fulfilling lives and be as independent as possible. Patients, usually known as clients, can be children or adults of any age. Duties are tailored to meet the needls of individual clients but could include:
- working with others to assess clients and produce individual care plans
- teaching clients to cope with everyday tasks such as dressing, cooking or shopping, and encouraging them to live more independently
- supporting clients’ efforts in education, work or bringing up a family
- supporting clients’ families or carers, teaching them how to give care and arranging for them to take breaks
- representing clients’ interests
- working with groups of clients in areas like healthy living or managing anxiety.
Intellectual disability nurses often work with clients in supported accommodation, typically a flat or house which is the home for three or four clients. Some nurses work with individuals who need more intensive support, for instance in hospitals.
To make sure clients have the help and support they need, intellectual disability nurses work closely with doctors, health visitors, physiotherapists, speech therapists, occupational therapists, healthcare assistants, social workers, teachers and employers.
Full-time intellectual disability nurses in the HSE work 37.5 hours a week. This may include weekend and bank holiday working and, in some jobs, evening and night shifts. Part-time work and flexible hours are often available. Most nurses work in the community, in patients’ homes, special schools, adult education centres, day centres and residential homes. Some work in hospitals. They may spend time working with clients in a range of situations including shops, cafés, leisure centres, workplaces, holiday centres and on public transport.
Salaries in the HSE range from €27,000 a year for a newly-qualified nurse up to €43,000 for a senior nurse.
Besides having general nursing skills, an intellectual disability nurse should:
- be patient, compassionate and have empathy with clients
- have good communication and teaching skills
- work well alone and as part of a team
- have physical and mental stamina.
Most learning disability nurses work for the HSE. There are also opportunities in the private healthcare sector and with local authority learning disability teams.
Entry Requirements – Intellectual Disability Nurse
To work as a qualified nursing professional, you must first successfully complete a programme of nursing education, and then apply to register with the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Ireland (NMBI), the statutory body for regulation of the nursing profession in Ireland.
1. Pre-Registration Degree Programmes Leading to Registration with NMBI
There are 5 pre-registration level nursing training programmes available, all of which are at Level 8 Honours Bachelor Degree, including the BSc in Intellectual Disability programme:
- BSc in General Nursing (RGN) (4 Years Duration)
- BSc in Children’s and General Nursing (integrated) (4.5 years Duration)
- BSc in Psychiatric Nursing (RPN) (4 Years Duration)
- BSc in Intellectual Disability Nursing (RNID) (4 Years Duration)
- BSc in Midwifery (4 Years Duration)
The programmes are offered through 13 Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) in association with the main Healthcare Agencies (Hospitals/Clinical Sites). Application is made through the CAO.
Useful Links:
Nursing & Midwifery Board of Ireland