Working as a NHS Learning Disability Nurse is both a challenging and incredibly rewarding career. This role involves supporting individuals with learning disabilities, helping them to live fulfilling lives, and advocating for their health and wellbeing. NHS Learning Disability Nurses are essential to providing personalised care, working closely with families, multidisciplinary teams, and community services. In the UK, the salary for this role typically ranges from £27,000 to £38,000 for entry to mid-level positions, with senior roles offering up to £45,000 per annum depending on experience and location.
Crafting a compelling CV is the first crucial step to securing a coveted position in this field. Your CV must reflect not only your qualifications and clinical skills but also your compassion, communication abilities, and understanding of person-centred care. In this guide, I will share a complete NHS Learning Disability Nurse CV template example, provide actionable tips for graduates, mid-level professionals, and senior management, and highlight the essential do’s and don’ts of CV writing.
Understanding the Role of an NHS Learning Disability Nurse
A Learning Disability Nurse works with individuals who have cognitive or developmental impairments, supporting them with daily living, healthcare needs, and social inclusion. Responsibilities often include:
Conducting assessments and care planning for patients with learning disabilities.
Developing and implementing individualised care programmes.
Collaborating with families, carers, and multidisciplinary teams to ensure holistic support.
Monitoring physical and mental health and advocating for patient rights.
Educating patients, families, and communities on health promotion and wellbeing.
Employers look for candidates with a combination of professional qualifications, practical experience, and a compassionate approach. Therefore, your CV must demonstrate your clinical skills, adaptability, and dedication to person-centred care.
Crafting Your NHS Learning Disability Nurse CV Template Example
Creating a CV that stands out in the competitive healthcare market requires a structured approach. Here’s an NHS Learning Disability Nurse CV template that aligns with UK hiring standards:
Personal Details
Include your full name, professional title, address, phone number, and professional email. Avoid unnecessary personal information such as marital status or a photo.
Professional Summary
Write a concise, compelling paragraph that highlights your experience, specialisms, and passion for patient care. Example:
“Compassionate and dedicated NHS Learning Disability Nurse with 5+ years of experience delivering personalised care to adults and children with learning disabilities. Skilled in multidisciplinary collaboration, patient advocacy, and developing person-centred care plans to improve quality of life.”
Key Skills
Use bullet points to showcase relevant clinical and soft skills. Include keywords that employers and ATS (Applicant Tracking Systems) scan for:
Person-centred care planning
Safeguarding and risk assessment
Health promotion and education
Multidisciplinary team collaboration
Medication management
Communication and advocacy
Mental health support
Behavioural assessment
Professional Experience
List your work history in reverse chronological order. Focus on achievements and measurable outcomes rather than just duties. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) where possible. Example entry:
Learning Disability Nurse | NHS Trust | London | Jan 2020 – Present
Developed personalised care plans for 25+ patients, resulting in improved patient engagement and independence.
Collaborated with multidisciplinary teams to implement behavioural interventions, reducing incidents by 30%.
Led health promotion workshops for patients and carers, enhancing understanding of chronic condition management.
Education & Qualifications
Include relevant academic achievements:
Bachelor of Science (BSc) in Learning Disability Nursing – University of London
Registered Nurse (NMC)
Postgraduate Diploma in Mental Health (if applicable)
Professional Development & Certifications
Show continuous professional growth with additional courses, workshops, or certifications:
Safeguarding Level 3
Mental Health First Aid
Dementia Care Training
References
Include “Available upon request” unless a specific employer requires names and contact details.
CV Writing Tips for Graduates
Graduates entering the NHS as Learning Disability Nurses face the challenge of limited professional experience. Here’s how to maximise your CV impact:
Highlight relevant placements or internships during training.
Emphasise transferable skills such as teamwork, communication, and problem-solving.
Include volunteer work with vulnerable populations.
Use a professional CV template to structure content clearly and optimally.
Advice for Mid-Level and Senior Management Professionals
Experienced nurses aiming for managerial or senior roles should focus on leadership and strategic competencies:
Emphasise experience in staff management, mentoring, and performance evaluation.
Highlight contributions to policy development or quality improvement initiatives.
Include metrics and outcomes to demonstrate tangible achievements.
Showcase your expertise in complex case management and multi-agency collaboration.
Do’s and Don’ts on Your NHS Learning Disability Nurse CV
Do’s:
Use clear, professional formatting.
Tailor your CV to each role, incorporating relevant keywords like “learning disability nursing,” “care planning,” and “patient advocacy.”
Include measurable achievements.
Keep your CV concise (2-3 pages max).
Proofread for errors and maintain UK English spelling.
Don’ts:
Avoid using generic statements like “hardworking and caring.”
Don’t include irrelevant work experience unless transferable skills are highlighted.
Steer clear of personal information that isn’t professional.
Avoid overly technical jargon unless role-specific.
Never lie or exaggerate qualifications or experience.
CV Structure Recommendations
A well-structured NHS Learning Disability Nurse CV should follow this hierarchy:
Personal Information
Professional Summary
Key Skills
Professional Experience
Education & Qualifications
Professional Development & Certifications
References
Using a structured CV improves readability for both recruiters and ATS systems, increasing the likelihood of securing an interview.
Optimising Your CV for Online Applications
For maximum visibility on NHS job boards and LinkedIn:
Incorporate relevant keywords: “Learning Disability Nurse CV,” “clinical experience,” “NHS nurse,” “person-centred care.”
Use a clear font and bullet points.
Save your CV in PDF format to maintain formatting.
Add links to professional profiles, certifications, or publications if relevant.
Why Use a CV Template or CV Example?
A cv template or cv example can serve as a foundation, helping you structure your content and highlight the most relevant achievements. Templates save time, reduce formatting errors, and ensure that your CV is optimised for ATS systems used by NHS recruiters. You can explore high-quality templates and examples here.
Final Thoughts: Securing Your Dream Role
Landing an NHS Learning Disability Nurse position requires more than qualifications – your CV must communicate your experience, passion, and suitability for the role. From graduates to senior managers, a tailored CV makes a lasting impression and significantly increases your chances of being shortlisted for an interview.
If you want your CV and LinkedIn profile to truly stand out, consider working with a professional career coach who understands the UK healthcare sector. With over 25 years of experience, I, Jerry Frempong, help nurses like you transform their applications into interview-winning tools. Book a one-on-one appointment to elevate your career prospects today: Book an Appointment.
