Positive Choices

I thought as I am doing Learning Disability Nursing it is only fitting to write a post on Positive Choices. 

For those of you who aren't aware, it is a big conference for Learning Disability Nursing Students to attend.  It certainly looks amazing! 

Sadly I was not able to go this year, but I am trying to organise it next year with my lecturer.  I have been talking to the organisers online and they are such a lovely bunch of people! They are only too happy to help you out and are trying to promote and raise awareness that #togetherwearebetter.

There was a hashtag on Twitter for those of you who are on there about Positive Choices under pc15.  There are also many videos on YouTube from this year and previous years.

Downs Side Up 

Mix It

If you get the chance, go! I have heard nothing but good about this conference and how it is good to see just where your qualification can take you once you qualify.  As a nursing student studying Learning Disability Nursing, you may get your fair share of negative comments.  This will happen in all fields regardless.  I do think personally, this needs to stop. As we are all working to the same goal, to become a nurse.  To help others. To aid them, to assist them, to speak out for them.  No other group needs it more than those with learning disabilities.  If you have doubts, or feel offended, imagine how those with a learning disability must feel every day?

They need you to be their advocate. To be their voice and their support. 

Positive Choices is in Nottingham next year and I am already gathering information on who from my cohort would like to go, and perhaps other years too! 

This is done in collaboration with Learning Disability Nurse.  It is amazing to see the passion and the fight to change things.  And more than 10 years on, it is certainly changing.  This is why we need the new generation of nurses coming through to carry on making the change.  This is evident from the new campaign launched by students in the North East of England. 

We Are Human

Watching these videos, especially in the run up to exams, deadlines, and i suppose, for many of you, waiting to hear from your universities, reminds us all of why we have chosen the course we have.  Nursing is amazing. There are patients that will touch you, that will never leave your memory.  It is those patients that may have prompted you to apply for nursing, or may prompt you to make a change for future patients.  No matter what branch, no matter what university, you are going to become a nurse.  It is worth remembering that.

Through all the tears, heartache, stress and the hard times you will have throughout your course, try to take that step back.  It is important to look after yourself.  

Positive Choices was started by students, and is for students.  You never really stop being a student.  You will learn from your patients, and although they may not remember you, or your name, they will never forget how you made them feel. They wont forget how that amazing nurse changed their stay in hospital, or changed their relatives end of life experiences, or how you may made them comfortable.  

So, in looking at Positive Choices, all you have to do is look at the impact it is making.  The people that attend, not just the students, but those with learning disabilities, the families and friends willing to share their experiences.  From talking to others, when you go (yes when, not if!) you will laugh, you will cry, but most of all, you will learn and will make some amazing friends from it.  Learning Disability Nursing has and always will be my passion.  I want to make a difference, i want to make their voices heard.  Most of all, i want to ensure that now and future generations see that Learning Disability Nursing is AMAZING!

 Everyone needs a nurse, no matter what your prognosis, condition or otherwise. 

So make sure you tell your family, friends and partners that! Ha!