“I chose University of Greenwich for a number of reasons. The main one being it was closest to home and easier to reach by public transport. I also went to an open day and I liked the campus and how green it was. The lecturers were friendly too. I applied through UCAS, but I also applied via a local NHS trust to be seconded to do the course, which I was very pleased to be offered.” Lindsay went on to study the BSc Hons Learning Disabilities Nursing, as after two years working in a Special Educational Needs school as a teaching assistant, she realised that her interests were more in the students' health and development, rather than education. “I re-evaluated my options and decided that LD Nursing is where I wanted to go.” Lindsay confirmed “It is not as well known as the other three branches, but I definitely knew I wanted to support the health needs of people with learning disabilities.”
Lindsay says that she enjoyed her time at the University of Greenwich. “I found the course covered a range of topics and there were multiple ways we were evaluated - including essays, exams, presentations, practical exams and work-based assessments on placements. It was 50% theory and 50% placement. This was my second degree, as I went to another university to study a completely different subject. However, the learning style was different and I did feel much more supported this time. It was certainly challenging at times, but I definitely felt accomplished. I would say this is something you need to be committed to.”
Lindsay says that her favourite modules were learning disabilities across the lifespan, as they focus on people from infancy to old age and everything in between. “We learnt about the causes of learning disabilities, the inequalities and challenges people face, and how we as LD nurses support people.” Lindsay also told us that there was input from local NHS services, as well as local groups such as Mencap, so people who we may be supporting after qualifying were involved in her training. Lindsay continued; “My main interest is in mental health in learning disabilities, so the mental health and challenging behaviour module was also a firm favourite.”
Lindsay is currently employed by Oxleas NHS Foundation Trust as a Mental Health in Learning Disabilities (MHinLD) Nurse Specialist. She has also worked as a bank nurse on several mental health inpatient wards, outside of LD services and has gained experience in acute mental health, older adults mental health, forensic mental health and dementia. More recently, Lindsay has been a COVID vaccinator and has vaccinated many of her health and social care colleagues. Lindsay states that she has never had any difficulty in finding a job and has consistently been employed as an LD nurse as well as doing bank work in MH wards since she qualified in 2014.
Thinking back to when she was a student, Lindsay credits the lecturers for helping her obtain her degree. “Peter Woodward was my programme leader and was very well liked amongst other students. He was knowledgeable, had a sense of humour and was approachable if we needed help. Avril Hocking and Nicki Fowler are also hard working, approachable and had a great deal of knowledge on the subject. As we were a small group, our lecturers got to know us well. It was lovely seeing them at our graduation and they took time to speak to us all at the end.”
On the subject of placements, Lindsay told us that she enjoyed most of her placements, although the ones that were more challenging did teach her a lot. “I particularly enjoyed the placements in mental health and LD, but I also realised that I prefer community to inpatients. I also had placements within children as well as adult services, so I did have a decent variety. It was helpful to see the many areas where LD nurses are employed and how transferable our skills are.” Lindsay said.
Lindsay says that she made friends for life during her time at Greenwich. “We all started the course ten years ago this year, which has flown by and we have kept in touch since we finished the course.” Lindsay told us. “We have made a lot of memories at Greenwich, as well as the course there was a strong social element to our time at Greenwich. During the pandemic we provided emotional support to each other. The people I have trained with are all enjoying their careers in their chosen areas now.”
Finally, we asked Lindsay if she would you recommend the LD Nursing course. “Yes! I would definitely recommend the course to anybody who wants to do learning disabilities nursing. It is hard work, both with theory and placement, so it has to be something you want to commit to but it is worth it!”
We thank Lindsay for sharing her story with us and wish her all the best for the future!
