Platform 5: Leading and Managing Nursing Care and Working in Teams
Observing the care and support provided to Solomon demonstrated the importance of effective leadership, teamwork and shared decision-making. Alex saw how learning disability nurses work across professional boundaries to coordinate care, support colleagues and ensure that the individual's needs remain central to all discussions and decisions.
Alex recognised that the needs of people with PMLD are often complex and require input from a range of professionals and agencies. During the placement, he observed how learning disability nurses worked alongside support workers, physiotherapists, occupational therapists, speech and language therapists, social workers, GPs and family members to ensure Solomon's health, wellbeing and quality of life remained central to all decision-making.
Demonstrating Platform 5 Proficiencies
Proficiency 5.1: Understand the principles of leadership, management, supervision and team working
What Alex did
Alex observed how learning disability nurses coordinated care, facilitated communication between professionals and ensured Solomon's needs remained central to discussions and decision-making. He reflected on the leadership role nurses play in supporting safe, effective and person-centred care (NMC, 2018b).
What this demonstrated
How important the leadership responsibilities of registered nurses and the importance of effective multidisciplinary working is for improved outcomes for people with PMLD.
Proficiency 5.2: Work effectively within teams and across professional and organisational boundaries
What Alex did
Alex attended multidisciplinary discussions and observed how information was shared between healthcare professionals, social care providers, support staff and family members. He recognised the importance of collaborative working in supporting continuity of care and achieving positive outcomes for Solomon (DH, 2008; NICE, 2016b).
What this demonstrated
The importance of partnership working across health and social care services.
Proficiency 5.3: Understand and apply the principles of delegation, supervision and accountability
What Alex did
Alex discussed the roles and responsibilities of registered nurses, support workers and other members of the multidisciplinary team. He observed how care tasks were delegated appropriately and how supervision supported the safe delivery of care.
What this demonstrated
Recognition of accountability, delegation and the importance of ensuring care is delivered safely by appropriately trained individuals.
Proficiency 5.4: Recognise the contribution of different professionals and agencies involved in care
What Alex did
Alex explored the contribution of physiotherapists, occupational therapists, speech and language therapists, social workers, learning disability nurses and support staff in meeting Solomon's complex needs. He considered how each professional contributed specialist knowledge and expertise to assessment, planning and care delivery (Hill and Goldsmith, 2009; Crawford, 2009).
What this demonstrated
An understanding of multidisciplinary practice and the value of collaborative working.
Proficiency 5.5: Participate in team-based approaches to care delivery
What Alex did
Alex participated in discussions regarding Solomon's care and observed how information from assessments, reviews and daily support was incorporated into ongoing care planning. He recognised the importance of effective communication within teams to maintain continuity and safety.
What this demonstrated
Developing team-based approaches to delivering coordinated and person-centred care.
Proficiency 5.6: Contribute to the planning and coordination of care
What Alex did
Alex reviewed care plans, health action plans and transition documentation and observed how professionals worked together to coordinate care across services. He learned about the role of learning disability nurses in facilitating communication and supporting access to healthcare services (NICE, 2016a; NICE, 2016b).
What this demonstrated
An understanding of care coordination and the nurse's role in ensuring individuals receive seamless support across organisational boundaries.
Proficiency 5.7: Promote a culture of safety, learning and continuous improvement
What Alex did
Alex discussed with his practice supervisor how reflective practice, communication, incident reporting and multidisciplinary review contribute to safe care. He explored how learning from national reports relating to people with learning disabilities has informed improvements in care and service delivery (LeDeR, 2025; NHS England, 2018).
What this demonstrated
The importance of continuous learning, quality improvement and a culture of safety within healthcare services.
Proficiency 5.8: Demonstrate leadership behaviours appropriate to level of experience
What Alex did
Throughout the placement, Alex demonstrated professionalism, initiative and a willingness to contribute to discussions about Solomon's care. He sought opportunities to learn from members of the multidisciplinary team and reflected on the leadership role he will develop as he progresses towards registration.
What this demonstrated
An understanding of leadership as a professional responsibility and the importance of developing confidence, communication and collaborative working skills.
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