1. Dear,
I am applying for the position of Registered Nurse (RNLD). I have gained experience within
the private sector and would now like to build on this. I have completed my preceptorship,
and look forward to developing as a Learning Disabilities Nurse and, in a few years, being
able to pass on my knowledge and skills as a mentor. I am eager to undergo any further
training or development opportunities and would value the input of the expertise you can
offer.
I realised I wanted to become a nurse for people with a learning disability whilst employed as
a Personal Assistant for young adults with learning and physical disabilities. My experience
in this role has developed my passion and motivation to act as an advocate for the rights of
young adults with a learning disability, and as an RNLD I can empower such individuals to
pursue their own independence and choices. I have gained experience within the private
sector and would now like to build on this within the NHS.
In my current role as a clinical nurse at The Huntercombe Hospital East Yorkshire I have
worked various shifts over a twenty-four hour period. I have helped adults with a learning
disability to access health services. This is a vitally important role for an RNLD to ensure that
the individual understands the treatment they receive, and is an opportunity to work
alongside colleagues in acute services, to broaden their understanding of people with a
learning disability. In supporting individuals, I have ensured effective communication was
achieved.
I have developed clinical skills when assisting with intimate care, and through assessing and
planning a patient’s needs which has required development of my ability to communicate
both verbally and non-verbally. In planning care for individuals, it is essential to maintain
family contact. I have created care plans in an accessible format through simplifying and
including visual aids, in order to enhance the patient’s understanding and enabling them to
process the information. I use my IT skills daily to record client activity and observations on
electronic case records and to develop the patients file with various risk assessments and
tools. I also write reports for Tribunals, Hospital Managers meetings and CPA (Care
Programme Approach) meetings.
In my role as clinical nurse, I work as part of a multidisciplinary team. I have the opportunity
to delegate duties to other professionals within the team, including leading shifts. Working in
a secure environment, on the medium or low secure wards I have developed my skills in
working with both men and women with challenging behaviours. I am a named nurse which
means I manage my own caseload, involving preparing a rationale of care, including care
plans, risk assessment and management and writing reports and involving the patient in this
process. This helped me to develop my skills in management and leadership and the ability
to prioritise and meet required timeframes, whilst maintaining a high level of accuracy. Within
this role I have co-ordinated multidisciplinary and multiagency meetings.
I have taught patients about their medication and the side effects, health issues such as
breathing difficulties and explaining procedures to be carried out whilst providing support and
guidance. Also throughout the final two years of placements I delivered teaching sessions to
clients and the multidisciplinary team. Topics have included issues arising from the
Winterbourne View enquiry, Positive Behaviour Support, and sleeping and toileting.
Working within low or medium secure, the environment can sometimes be hostile and
patients can become aggressive. I have coordinated during, and been involved in, incidents
where holds and restraints were necessary and managed them safely and effectively using

2. MAYBO. This can be distressing for those involved and those witnessing, so it is my
responsibility to reassure patients and staff who were witnesses of such events. It is
important to have a team debriefing after an incident of this nature, in order to discuss how
the situation was handled and whether improvements could be made. I take this same
reflective approach with my personal career development, and strive to improve my skills
and abilities, in order to provide an excellent service to clients and give a positive reflection
of an organisation. I look forward to developing further as a Learning Disabilities Nurse and,
in a few years, being able to pass on my knowledge and skills as a mentor. I am eager to
undergo any further training or development opportunities and welcome the input of the
expertise you can offer. I would value the opportunity to join your team, and be part of the
high-quality service you provide to clients.
Yours Sincerely,
Peter Brewer