BSc (Hons) LEARNING DISABILITY NURSING

Overview

Mode	Duration	Start date	Application code	Application method
ModeFull-time	Duration3 years	Start dateSeptember	Application codeB761	Application method UCAS

Home/EU applicants

Mode	Duration	Start date	Application code	Application method
Mode Full-time	Duration 3 years	Start date September	Application code B761	Application method UCAS

Prepare to start

Disclosure Barring Service (DBS)

All pre-registration students need to be DBS cleared before going on placement. You’ll need to have an enhanced DBS check even if you have had one before and will not be able to go on placement until this is complete.

The DBS process is not difficult but can take some time so it's best to get started as soon as you receive your email. You will receive the email during Summer 2023.

DBS update service

If you're part of the DBS update service, your subscription is up to date and you already have a DBS certificate, please bring in your original green DBS certificate for the document check. To take advantage of the update service, your certificate needs to be classified as 'Enhanced' and workforce must be listed as 'Adult and Child'. If you have any queries, please email us at hscdbsoh@lsbu.ac.uk.

How to complete your DBS

Our DBS supplier, Verifile, will send you an email with all the details you need to complete your DBS.

Verifile will give you instructions to log into their system and complete your personal details and information. To complete the process, you'll need your passport or driving licence and 5-year address history including dates when you moved in/out.

You can use your application number to track the progress of your DBS.

When you've finished, your Disclosure Statement will be mailed to the most recent address in your submission, so please make sure it's correct. We don't automatically receive a copy of this Statement, which is why we need you to bring it in as part of the next step.

Frequently asked questions

My Social Work friends said they need to pay. Do I need to pay?

Only Social Work applicants need to pay for their DBS. It costs £46 and can be purchased on our online store.

What do I need to declare on my DBS?

Please include any and all major and minor, spent and unspent convictions, cautions, warning and reprimands, even if they relate to juvenile offences or seem trivial or unimportant. Some minor offences will not prevent you from going on placement or being offered a place on your course, but still need to be reviewed so it’s best to be honest and include everything. Also, the more information you include about any offences can help reduce the time it takes to assess them.

I’ve applied for/had a DBS in past. Do I need to do it again?

Yes, you do. You need to have an up-to-date DBS. Once you have received the email from our DBS supplier make sure you start the process straight away. All details of how to do this will be outlined in the email. If you don’t complete your DBS in the timeframe given, we may withdraw your offer even if term has already started. So it’s important that you get started as soon as you receive the email.

Why do I need an enhanced DBS check?

Government legislation requires all Higher Education Institutions who offer courses where students may come into unsupervised contact with children or vulnerable adults to have this check. These checks also help us to ensure duty of care to our students, and create a safer environment for patients seen by our students.

Who reviews my DBS?

As part of the University’s admissions process, declarations of any offence may be referred to a virtual panel made up of senior managers from partner NHS Trusts and/or other sectors within Health and Social Care. Any DBS that is considered by the panel will be anonymised. The panel members then deliberate and make a recommendation whether the application be rejected, accepted or request further information or documents.

When will I hear back from the panel about my DBS?

If you have declared an offence, we might ask for more information from you in writing which will help the panel make a decision. Once your declaration has been referred to the panel it can take up to 28 working days to be processed.

Which address do I use?

You need to put your current address on your DBS application because this is where your Statement will be mailed. If you’ve moved house between submitting and receiving your DBS, make sure you have mail forwarding set up so that you’ll receive your statement. If you’ve moved recently, make sure you have proof of your new address (such as a new bank statement) to bring for your document checks.

I’ve lost my statement. What do I do?

If you’ve lost your statement you will need to pay £46 to purchase a new one.

I’ve had my application rejected due to my DBS declaration/disclosure. Can I appeal the decision?

Yes. If your application has been rejected due to your DSB declaration/discloser, you will be sent a letter to confirm this. There will be instructions in the letter about how you can appeal and which supporting information you need to provide. Once a decision has been made you will receive a letter from the School Executive Team.

Document check

Once you have completed the online part of the DBS process, you will need to produce three accepted documents from this list (PDF File 248 KB) to be verified.

Document check on campus

Southwark: Southwark Student Help Desk in the K2 building Monday – Friday between 9am-11am or 1pm-4pm

Havering: come to reception at Havering Monday – Friday between 8:30-10:30am, 12-2pm, 4-5pm

Document check at the Post Office

If you’re not able to come to campus, you can get your documents checked and certified at the Post Office for a fee of £10.50. To do this, make photocopies of your three accepted ID documents and take your DBS form, copies and originals of your documents to the Post Office. The Post Office will stamp the form and photocopies and given them back to you. Email your post office receipt, stamped form and stamped documents to hscdbsoh@lsbu.ac.uk.

Occupational Health (OH)

An exciting part of many of our Health and Social Care courses is the opportunity to learn off-campus and work with patients, clients and/or service users. Before you start, we need to make sure that you have the correct levels of immunisations.

Questionnaire

Once you have enrolled, students will be asked to complete an occupational health check, the first part is completing an online questionnaire sent from our occupational health provider.

GP appointment

The second part of your occupational health check is to get any inoculations that you may need from your GP. When attending your GP appointment, please take printed copies of these two documents with you.

Vaccination Screening Advisory Letter (PDF File 126 KB)
GP Vaccination and Screening History (PDF File 117 KB)

Occupational Health appointment

After these steps are complete you will receive an email from OHWorks Ltd inviting you to attend an appointment on-campus with an Occupational Health Nurse. These appointments take place during the week and sometimes when your classes have already started.

The OH team have prepared this guide (PDF File 588 KB) which outlines what to expect at each stage. If you have queries or concerns about your Occupational Health clearance or inoculations please contact the Occupational Health team.

Frequently asked questions

Do I need to be double vaccinated?

Yes - government legislation advises that everyone must be double vaccinated to work in a health care setting with effect from 1 April 2022.

My local GP doesn’t have my vaccination history. What should I do?

Contact the OH team at lsbu@ohworks.co.uk who will be able to advise you.

What if I can’t make my OH appointment?

Please contact the OH team to reschedule at least 48 hours in advance. Remember that you won’t be able to go on placement until you’re cleared.

I’ve already registered with LSBU’s Disability and Dyslexia Support Unit (DDS). Do I still need to tell the OH Nurse about my condition?

Yes. Tell the OH Nurse about all conditions including specific learning difficulties even if you’ve declared these in the past. This will allow us to make reasonable adjustments whilst you’re on placement.

If I’ve declared a condition to the OH Nurse, do I need to register with LSBU’s Disability and Dyslexia Support Unit as well?

The information you share with the OH Nurse will be treated with confidence, meaning that it won’t be automatically shared with the DDS team. The DDS team can help you to receive support for your lectures, assignments and exams so it’s worth to register with them and provide evidence of your condition if you need this support.

Numeracy practice

Before starting your course, you may want to check or practice your numeracy skills. The National Numeracy Challenge is a free online tool that helps you learn, revise and quiz your essential numeracy skills. You’ll also be able to get a certificate to show your efforts.

Enrolment and Welcome Week

Before you start your course we’ll send you information on what you’ll need to do before you arrive and during your first few days on campus. You can read about the process on our new students pages.

Uniforms

Most placements and some practical sessions in our skills laboratories will require you to wear a uniform and name badge. You will be measured for uniforms specific to your course as part of your Welcome Week activities after enrolment. In the meantime, we have prepared answers to frequently asked questions that you might find useful.

Frequently asked questions

Do I get a uniform for when I go on placement?

Yes, LSBU will supply you with uniforms for your placement with the exception of Social Work and Health and Social Care BSc students who are not required to wear uniforms for their placements.

Which uniforms will I receive?

Nursing and midwifery students will receive two pairs of trousers, three tunics and a name badge. Polo shirts will be issued instead of tunics for students studying mental health nursing, physiotherapy, chiropractic and sport rehabilitation. ODP students will receive one set of scrubs top and trousers.

How long do the uniforms need to last?

The items are to last for the duration of your programme of study.

How do I know what size I am?

A measuring and distribution service will be available by the uniform provider at both Southwark and Havering campuses. As garments are fitted for work purposes they need to allow for flexibility of movement so it’s best to have the uniform provider measure you up.

Am I able to request a longer tunic?

You can request a longer tunic for religious or medical reasons. To do this, you should advise the uniform supplier at the measuring session. These tunics are 2 inches longer and sleeves finish just above the elbows. Due to infection control, full length sleeves are not permitted.

Can I use a preferred name or a nickname on my name badge?

Name badges are professional and need to include your formal names.

What do I do if I lose or damage my name badge?

You can order a replacement name badge direct with the uniform provider. Badges need to be worn at all times when you are at placement.

Can I order more uniforms?

You are welcome to purchase additional items at Work in Style. You will need to log in using your student ID and then follow the step-by-step instruction. Please note that dresses are not available.

Can I try on my uniforms?

You should try on your uniforms the day you receive them so that the staff at the measuring service can help arrange any size exchanges. If you choose not to try on your uniforms and require different sizes at a later date you will need to purchase these through the uniform provider’s online portal at your own cost.

What do I do with my uniform after I complete my studies?

They are yours to keep – you do not need to return the garments.

Practice placements

Most health and social care courses’ practice placements will operate outside normal working hours e.g. evenings, nights, weekends and bank holidays.

Holidays

Your holiday periods will not follow the normal University timetable because of placements. You’ll receive more details once you start your course.

For this course, we’ve responded to best practice guidance and changing service demand, and developed an innovative and contemporary course of study, leading to a Registered Nurses Learning Disability (RNLD) nursing qualification.

The course focuses on theories of learning disability nursing and practice, healthcare planning and assessment, and enabling practitioners to be able to support people with learning disabilities of any age. The course has a holistic focus, taking into account physical, mental, emotional, spiritual and cultural wellbeing.

You’ll have the opportunity to gain knowledge and develop sound communication, interpersonal and therapeutic intervention skills and become fully equipped to meet the additional requirements of patients with more complex needs such as dual diagnosis and multiple and profound disability.

Some compulsory skills sessions may take place in the evening.

Year 1

• Concepts of inter-professional and collaborative practice
  This module introduces the place and value of inter-professional and collaborative working in health and social care delivery. The module aims to support the development of the necessary communication, personal, partnership working and reflective practice skills required to meet the needs of clients/carers and diverse populations who are at the centre of inter-professional health and social care delivery. You’ll work collaboratively on-line to explore and develop understanding of the purpose, scope and range of inter-professional and collaborative working. 
• Introducing evidence-based practice in learning disability nursing
  This module introduces the nature of evidence in health and social care and the importance of evidence-based practice for people with learning disabilities and their identified circles of support. You’ll develop skills in accessing evidence, gain familiarity with the library, including use of electronic databases, and learn how to use the university’s referencing system for your material. You’ll learn key terms relating to research and evidence-based practice and be introduced to an evidence-based practice model. The module also sets out the context for the conduct of health and social care research, including funding and ethical aspects.  
• Essentials of biosciences for health
  The module provides understanding of the structure of the body’s’ systems, their function and how the human body maintains health. As the structure of organs and body systems is closely linked to their function the two sciences of anatomy and physiology cannot be separated as structure determines the functions each organ or system can perform. This will form a basis for future learning and application. It has been designed to run across the whole year to ensure consistency and application as students experience a variety of practice areas.
• Contexts and concepts in learning disabilities
  This module will explore the past, present and future contexts of life for people with learning disabilities and the role of learning disability nursing. The module provides the foundation for working with people who have a learning disability in a range of settings, across the lifespan. Historical factors that have influenced and shaped current practice will be highlighted. You’ll gain insight into the pathways which have influenced current legislation, social policies, ethical stance, and approaches to health and disability.  
• Practice skills for learning disabilities nursing
  In this module, you’ll focus on understanding and exploring the clinical practice skills required for the role of the learning disability nurse working across the contexts where the care and support of people with learning disabilities is delivered. The module considers the lifespan approach to bio-psycho-social human development, health and wellbeing when considering the clinical practice skills required to adequately provide safe and effective health care to people with learning disabilities. You’ll develop skills in recognising deterioration in mental and physical health and will develop specialist communication skills. 

Year 2

• Inter-professional learning in practice
  This module builds upon the Concepts of inter-professional learning and collaborative practice gained in year one of the programme and expands to look at the environment, teamwork and collaboration. It will promote the exploration of inter-professional practice in the clinical situation working with peers and health consumers. 
• Appraising evidence-based practice in learning disability nursing
  This module considers how research questions are generated from practice with application to Learning Disability Nursing. The steps in conducting research and audit and the main research methods in health and social care are explained and associated ethical aspects are discussed. Methods of analysing and presenting different types of research data are introduced. The rationale for appraising research is considered and critical appraisal tools are reviewed. The module equips Learning Disability Nursing Students with the core skills and understanding to appraise evidence and assess its appropriateness to be implemented into practice.
• Contemporary issues in learning disability nursing
  In this module you’ll have the opportunity to investigate and participate in informed debate around the pertinent trends, latest evidence, political directives and health and social care challenges, as they emerge, so that people with learning disabilities are 'treated the same as everyone else (even when they have to change things to make this happen’). 
• Applied physiology across the lifespan
  This module encompasses the growth and development of people with learning disabilities and builds knowledge of applied physiology in relation to complex health needs. There will be a range of practice experiences in year 2 and 3 of the programme. You’ll utilise a `hub and spoke` model in which the hub is the main focus of the practice learning whilst other learning opportunities are also accessed e.g. visits, shadowing activities, time in other related services. In year 2 of the programme, you’ll have had three learning disability nursing practice experiences of 24 weeks in total. As you progress through these practice learning experiences, you’re required to develop and demonstrate skills in assessment (including risk), planning care and making simple evidence-based interventions.
• Specialist interventions in learning disability nursing
  This module will build on your knowledge of the range of issues that affect individuals who have a learning disability, offering opportunities to explore evidence-based supports and interventions to meet the needs of this group. The module will facilitate the application of contemporary theory to practice, developing your ability to find and apply relevant research. This module will also enhance communication skills to work in partnership with individuals with learning disabilities, their identified circle of support and the wider multidisciplinary team, in order to best meet the needs of those they are supporting in the practice settings. 

Year 3

• Improving quality, change management and leadership
  This module will explore leadership, quality improvement and change within organisations from an inter-professional perspective. The module looks at a strategic, evidence-based approach to change management in a range of environments, integrating the perspectives of service users.  
• Implementing evidence-based practice in learning disability nursing
  In this module you’ll focus on a topic relevant to your practice experience and will examine underpinning evidence, identifying limitations and drawing conclusions. You’ll examine evidence-based practice models and analyse factors that influence the implementation of best evidence in practice. You’ll reflect on how implementing best evidence affects the experiences of people with learning disabilities and their identified circles of support.  
• Emerging trends in learning disabilities
  This module focuses on new and developing trends in four areas of learning disability practice. Following a short series of introductory sessions, you’ll be able to choose student led seminars that focus on community learning disability nursing, mental health in learning disability nursing, forensic services or social enterprise. You’ll choose your seminar based on your intended first destination to improve your employability.
• Complexity in the world of people with learning disabilities
  In this module you’ll gain in-depth knowledge of underlying causal conditions, physical and mental health conditions and related behavioural phenotypes. There is a critical focus on pharmacology and medicine optimisation, and you’ll develop the specialist knowledge to choose and implement appropriate and effective specialist interventions. 
• Promoting self-determination and inclusion
  In this module you’ll present issues that relate to individuals and families with whom you have worked with in the practice setting and will work in small groups to develop a campaign on relevant issues. This module provides you with advanced knowledge and skills to challenge poor practice and to promote person-centredness at all levels of support for people with learning disabilities.