How do I become a Registered Nurse in Intellectual Disability?

A Registered Nurse Intellectual Disability (RNID) is a specialist nurse who works within the social model of disability, supporting people with intellectual disabilities to lead fulfilling, independent lives. RNIDs deliver individualised, person-centred care that is holistic and responsive to each person’s unique needs across their entire lifespan.

At the heart of the RNID’s role is building meaningful, trusting relationships with individuals and their families or carers. These relationships are based on the principles of: human rights & dignity, equality & inclusion, advocacy & empowerment and protection & support for independent living.

There are multiple entry routes to the RNID profession:

  • Undergraduate BSc in Intellectual Disability Nursing – approved courses
  • Tertiary degrees provide seamless pathways from further education to higher education

Additional information can be found on Careers Portal.

female nurse

Your role with the HSE

Once qualified you will need to register with NMBI, the regulatory body for nursing and midwifery professions in Ireland.

RNIDs work with children, adolescents, adults and their families in a variety of settings reflecting the diverse needs and opportunities for holistic person centered care and support.

These settings include; residential and respite services, community care, community disability network team (CDNT), day services, acute hospital settings, social inclusion services, within the criminal justice system, schools and the individuals own home.

The support requirements of individuals  with an intellectual disability  can vary dependent on the level of intellectual  disability, their individual needs and overall health and wellbeing. Levels of intellectual disability range from mild to complex disability, consequently the role of the RNID is dynamic and diverse.

young girls giving a thumbs up

Career Progression

Clinical Pathway

  • Staff Nurse, Senior (Intellectual Disability)
  • Enhanced Nurse Senior, (Intellectual Disability)
  • Clinical Nurse Specialist (Intellectual Disability)
  • Advanced Nurse Practitioner (Intellectual Disability)

Management Pathway

  • Clinical Nurse Manager (I), (II) & (III)
  • Assistant Director of Nursing (ADON)
  • Director of Nursing (DON)
  • Children’s Disability Network Manager

Educational Pathway

  • Clinical Placement co-ordinator/Student Allocations officer
  • Nurse Practice Development Coordinator
  • Nurse Tutor/ Lecturer
  • Research and Development

There are many different opportunities for you to develop your career.

nurse assisting a young girl in a wheelchair

Further training and development

There are both professional development and educational opportunities designed to enhance the skills of our workforce and improve on the care our nursing professionals provide.

Your local Nursing and Midwifery Planning and Development Unit (NMPDU) supports continuing professional development programmes, including masterclasses, workshops, study days and conferences.

Centres for Nursing and Midwifery education provide Continuing Professional Development (CPD) and QQI Level 5-8 programmes of education for Nurses.

HSELAND is the HSE portal, which offers an array of training & development opportunities delivered either online or in a classroom style setting.

For further education, check NMBI‘s approved post-registration courses leading to an additional registration or click here for further information.

Male nurse about to examine a young girl

Staff benefits and testimonials

Working in a rewarding and challenging career is just one of the many benefits you’ll enjoy as a HSE employee. We offer attractive pay and benefits, professional supervision, career support and development opportunities, friendly colleagues, and an excellent quality of life.

See Pay scales – HSE Staff

To learn more about the various roles in Intellectual Disability Nursing and to hear first-hand experiences from professionals working in the field, please click the links below:

Cora Hanratty Kampes, RNID, Children’s Disability Network Team

Sarah Griffin, RNID, Saint John of God North East Services

Anne Power, Advanced Nurse Practitioner (ANP), Wexford Residential Intellectual Disability Service

Rebecca Wyse, ANP, HSE

Lorna McEvoy, Acute Intellectual Disability Liaison, Clinical Nurse Manager 2, Stewarts Care & St. James Hospital

group of young adults with intellectual disabilities