Role of the lecturer practitioner in learning disability nursing

The BA (Hons) Nursing course at Oxford Brookes University aims to develop reflective practitioners. The role of the lecturer practitioner has become established in order to bridge the theory-practice divide. Lecturer practitioners contribute to the common foundation programme in years 1-2 and to the specialist branch in years 3-4. Lecturer practitioners facilitate learning by working with students and mentors in practical and theoretical settings. Learning contracts containing evidence of achievement are used by students as a focus for reflection and demonstration of clinical competence. Lecturer practitioners have core responsibilities in their practice areas, e.g. practice input and formulation of policies, and in the School of Health Care Studies, e.g. module leadership and committee membership. In the field of learning disability, lecturer practitioners have contributed to the dissemination of ideas and developments locally and nationally. These include leadership of the Clinical Practice Development Unit and presentation of research papers and information about services in Oxfordshire at national conferences.