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Exploring RNLD perspectives on NMC registration

Exploring learning disability nurses’ perspectives on NMC registration: implications for students and individuals living with a learning disability 

The Nursing Midwifery Council (NMC) have identified that the proportion of Registered Nurse Learning Disability (RNLD) has decreased over the past five years (NMC 2023a), and in particular, the RCN Report Connecting for Change (RCN 2021) has also noted that the vast majority of RNLD nurses are working in social care settings. Anecdotal evidence tells us that some RNLD are choosing to lapse their registration with the NMC, yet the number and reasons for this is not clear.   

Research  

The University of Salford were awarded £30,000 to undertake research exploring RNLD perceptions of the registration with the NMC and reasons why some RNLD are choosing to lapse their registration with the NMC.   

The research also explored perceptions of the impact that this may have on RNLD students, people living with a learning disability and their carers/family as well as their thoughts regarding the future of learning disability nurses. 

The study used a mixed methods design of questionnaires, focus groups and one to one interviews to understand the factors that influence RNLD decisions to remain (or not) on the NMC register, to ascertain a better understanding of the impact of this on RNLD students and people living with a learning disability (and their carers). 

An output of the research was the creation of a free resource to raise awareness of learning disability nursing and to improve understanding of this area of nursing.

Key findings

The research found that there are increasing numbers of RNLDs giving up their professional registration with the NMC, leading to a reduced number of RNLDs working to support people with a learning disability. However, the reasons for this are not known, and it was a limitation of the study as despite extensive efforts, only five RNLDs who had lapsed their registration with the NMC in the last 10 years were involved in the interviews/one to ones. 

The survey responses surpassed expectations, with over 600 responses (RNLD responses 510, and student RNLD responses 96). The study did find that there were many reasons impacting upon RNLDs decisions to remain registered with the NMC. The shift from medical towards social models of care has led to a shift in focus for the nurses, meaning that many no longer require professional registration with the NMC. This instability is also influencing students’ perceptions of the future of their field, affecting both their expectations and their engagement with it. Despite this, the impact that RNLDs have on people living with a learning disability is vast. 

This research examined perceptions of RNLDs on their registration with the NMC as well as their thoughts regarding the declining number of RNLD registrants. The study also examined the wider implications of the declining numbers for student RNLDs and people living with a learning disability, highlighting the important role RNLDs have in addressing health inequity.

Dissemination 

The research signified that there is a lack of the role of learning disability nurses, particularly for young people at secondary school. As a result, the University of Salford have created a free resource to raise awareness of learning disability nursing and to improve understanding of this area of nursing.

They have presented the findings at two National Conferences as well as participated at two national round table events. They are also writing up their findings for publication within nursing journals, which once published will be available here.

Wider impact

The University of Salford are exploring whether there is another potential publication from the findings of the research which will explore the experiences of individuals with a learning disability, their families and carers.

Similarly, as part of the wider social care research project at the university, they are continuing to focus on undertaking research with people with a learning disability. They have recently received funding to undertake a project with DanceSyndrome on how creative methodologies can facilitate research on quality of life of people living with a learning disability.