Abstract: This study reveals the experiences of a group of registered nurses who chose to work with people with intellectual disability. The nurses trained for the Mental Retardation Certificate in several large residential institutions for people with intellectual disability in New South Wales between 1969 and 1985. Their training instilled a holistic approach to nursing that led to specialist nursing registration and a distinct professional identity at the time. The nurses shared stories about their education and training, and their deep involvement in the day-to-day lives of the people in their care. The oral history interviews collected support the contention that these nurses took a holistic approach to practice with the aim of providing an enhanced experience of life for people with intellectual disability living in large residential institutions. Even though the places where people with intellectual disability now live have changed, as has nursing education, the relationship-centred approach of nurses who completed the Mental Retardation Certificate remains relevant to contemporary holistic nursing practice.
Lewis et al. (Wed,) studied this question.