Becoming a learning disability nurse, with Jose Ferin

To celebrate Learning Disability Nurses Day, we caught up Jose Ferin, a newly qualified learning disability nurse working on Amber Unit, a specialist assessment and treatment ward for people with learning disabilities and autism at Brooklands Hospital. We spoke to him about his career journey, overcoming challenges, and where he sees his future. 

Jose’s career journey 

Jose’s journey to becoming a learning disability nurse started when first found his passion for helping people as a healthcare assistant in London. In 2017 he moved to Coventry with his partner and became a healthcare assistant at CWPT. It wasn’t long until he started his registered nursing associate degree. 

Following the completion of his course, he felt inspired by his learnings and wanted to do more in his role as a nursing associate. He experienced a range of clinical settings which inspired him to do a step-up course to become a qualified learning disability nurse, which he completed earlier this year. 

Overcoming challenges 

There were many challenges for Jose to overcome when he was studying to be a qualified nurse. Whether it was having the confidence to take the step to continue his studies, or to balance work-life, studying and his home life. 

He says: “It was the support from my colleagues and patience and support from my partner. That helped me a lot to keep going.” 

Over time, Jose has grown his confidence and skills and now feels like he wants to grab every opportunity CWPT offers to develop.

He said: “I don’t see myself staying in one position. I always want to do more and grow as a nurse”.

He’s considering a master's degree in his future. 

A rewarding career 

Whilst Jose chose learning disability nursing because he was already working in the area, he couldn’t be happier in his choice of nursing specialism. He explains that he feels that learning disability nursing is ‘complete’ as it requires an understanding of both mental and physical health. 

He says: “Learning disability nursing requires you to work deeply with someone in all aspects of their wellbeing. You have to look after someone’s physical and mental health, as well as supporting them with their learning disability.” 

For Jose, building relationships with patients and seeing positive outcomes is the most rewarding bit of his role. Whilst it can take time, knowing you have made a lasting impact on someone’s life is immeasurable. 

“We receive phone calls sometimes from patients who have been in our care, and they remember us. That's really nice, and it is those little things that you realise that for that person, are not so little.” 

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