Published on: 30 October 2026
Learning Disability Nurses Day, held on 1 November, celebrates the vital contribution learning disability nurses make to the lives of people with learning disabilities, their families and carers.
Marissa Toryusen, Clinical Operational Manager for a Community Learning Disability Nursing team at Derbyshire Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust, discusses her career, what inspired her to become a learning disability nurse and why the profession matters.
How long have you been a learning disability nurse, and what inspired you to choose this area of nursing?
I’ve been a learning disability nurse for 13 years. I came into it by chance. I’d always known I wanted to be a nurse, but when I was looking at university courses, I hadn’t realised learning disability nursing was a separate branch. I had some personal experience of learning disabilities and, as soon as I came across the course, I knew it was something I wanted to do. It felt like a role where I could really make a difference. Thirteen years later, I’m still passionate about it and haven’t looked back.
Can you tell us a little about your current role and what it involves?
I’m proud to be a Clinical Operational Manager for a Community Learning Disability Nursing team. My role is a mix of supporting people with learning disabilities, leading and developing staff, and helping to shape the services we provide. What I enjoy most is seeing the positive impact our team has every day and knowing we’ve helped people live healthier, happier and more independent lives.
What do you enjoy most about being a learning disability nurse?
I love the diversity of the role. No two days are ever the same and no two people are the same, so you’re constantly adapting and learning. It can be challenging at times, but that’s what keeps it interesting. The most rewarding part is seeing the difference you can make, even if it’s something that seems small. Those small changes can have a huge impact on someone’s life.
What has been the most rewarding or memorable moment of your career so far?
I don’t think I could choose just one moment. I’ve been fortunate to work across inpatient, forensic and community learning disability services, and each has brought its own challenges and rewards. Being able to support such a wide range of people in different situations has been incredibly rewarding. Seeing people overcome barriers and achieve things that are important to them is what has made my career so memorable.
What difference do learning disability nurses make to patients, families and carers?
Learning disability nurses make a difference by being advocates, problem-solvers and supporters all at once. We help people navigate a world that isn’t always designed with their needs in mind and work to make sure they have the same opportunities and access to healthcare as everyone else.
What do you wish more people understood about learning disability nursing?
I think many people would be surprised by how varied the role is. It’s about much more than healthcare alone. We support people’s physical and mental health, advocate for them, work with families, and help other services understand how to meet people’s needs. I also wish more people understood the role we play in reducing health inequalities. People with learning disabilities can face a lot of barriers when accessing healthcare, and learning disability nurses work hard to make sure they get the same opportunities and outcomes as everyone else.
What does Learning Disability Nurses Day mean to you, and why is it important to celebrate the profession?
Learning Disability Nurses Day is a chance to shine a light on a profession that often isn’t as visible as some of the other nursing branches. It’s an opportunity to celebrate the difference learning disability nurses make every day and to raise awareness of the unique skills, knowledge and passion we bring to our role.
What would you say to someone considering a career in learning disability nursing?
I’d say go for it. I discovered learning disability nursing almost by accident, and it’s the best career decision I’ve ever made. It’s challenging, rewarding and incredibly varied. You get the chance to build genuine relationships with people and support them to achieve what’s important to them. If you want a career where you can make a real difference to people’s lives, I’d highly recommend it.
