This unique monograph, based on empirical research, used the oral history approach to explore the careers of 31 intellectual disability nurses from England and the Republic of Ireland; each with at least 30 years' experience. We sought to understand motives for such long service to nursing practice. Some had worked in the intellectual disability hospitals of the 19th and 20th Centuries. In both jurisdictions these have almost closed and been replaced with smaller living configurations; subsequently few such nurses have experience of these institutions. This makes it important to hear their stories, which were digitally recorded; now forming a unique collection in the Royal College of Nursing's archives. These oral histories when synthesised with prevailing discourse of intellectual disability nursing from literature, and research put into perspective contemporary nursing workforce challenges faced by these nurses in both jurisdictions. Their stories are testament, amongst other things, to a strong 'sense of justice... doing the right thing and making a difference'. Some reported a 'very early interest in working with people with intellectual disabilities'. And at 'journey's end' sadly, almost universally, they reported a sense of being 'undervalued'. Their narratives articulate enormous health and social care change witnessed over three decades or more. But above all else they give voice to commitment, dedication, and kindness to a vulnerable, and often marginalised people, those with intellectual disabilities, as such it gives voice to otherwise 'Untold Stories'.

Many people find themselves without the experience or skills to deal with individuals with behaviour they do not like or find threatening. This much- needed new text provides insights and access to a range of therapeutic interventions. The book is divided into three sections. The first provides theoretical background, addresses legal and ethical issues, and raises questions about the language we use to describe behaviour we find difficult to understand. This is followed by the main part of the book and descriptions of seven different approaches and interventions. The third section of the book discusses the problematic nature of evidence for choosing particular interventions and therapies. Attractively presented, the book includes: case studies reader activities lists of resources, such as annotated bibliographies, addresses of organisations and website addresses This text will be of benefit to anyone working in health and social services, educational, and independent settings, as well as students, parents and carers. Written and edited by an interdisciplinary group of expert contributors, this book provides a unique resource that details a wide range of therapeutic interventions in one text.Accessible exploration of what constitutes behavioural distress Range of therapies covered includes arts therapies, gentle teaching, and behavioural interventionsUnique chapter on examining the evidence based for these therapies Colour plate sectionCase studies, reader activities and resource lists including web sites

Good communication is fundamental to effective nursing, and the teaching of interpersonal skills is now an established part of all nursing courses, at both pre-and post-registration level. The book meets the student's needs, and is specifically tailored to nurses. It interweaves theoretical concepts of communication into the analysis of everyday nursing situations. This approach makes the book more interesting to read and has the added benefit of encouraging reflective practice. After reading and studying this book, students and qualified staff should be better able to make sense of face-to-face communication and know how their interactions can be improved. Applies theory to nursing practice Includes assignments drawn from varying nursing contexts Focuses on the real world of nurses and their communication needs Completely updated and revised. The new edition has been thoroughly revised and has a new layout which is as follows:PART A - Introduces readers to the broad principles of communication and their application in a wide range of situations. PART B - comprises of in-depth content relating to the specialist communication, knowledge and skills required of nurses caring for patients/clients covered by the 4 branch programmes, i.e. adults, children, people with mental illness and people with learning disability. PART C - covers the specialist communication needs and skills required of the registered practitioner at all levels following qualification.

This new edition of the Oxford Handbook of Learning and Intellectual Disability Nursing has been fully updated, with a greater focus on older people with learning and intellectual disabilities and mental health issues, as well as bringing all recommendations in line with current guidelines. Since the first edition of this book was published, services for people with learning disabilities and their families have become more community-based, and the demography of the population of people with learning disabilities has changed to include many older people, and children and young adults with complex physical health needs. This handbook provides clear information for readers on practical steps that may be taken to actively engage with people who have learning disabilities, to enable effective care in which they are involved as much as possible with decisions that affect them. This book also covers differences in legislation and social policy across the constituent countries in the United Kingdom and Ireland, including changes that have been implemented since serious case reviews into institutional abuse. An emergencies section provides key information at critical times in practice. The chapter on practice resources has been fully revised to bring together the latest tools to support nurses, complete with links for easy access. Written by experienced practitioners who are recognised experts in their areas of speciality, the Oxford Handbook of Learning and Intellectual Disability Nursing is an invaluable guide for students, community and hospital based nurses, and all those who work with people with intellectual disabilities as part of a multidisciplinary team.