Nurses can specialise in epilepsy exclusively supporting adults and children with epilepsy.  They can work in both main steam neurology services but can also support people with learning disabilities.   The role can be community or hospital-based. 

There are a variety of courses available where nurses can develop their specialism.  Epilepsy nurses can have a variety of background training – general nursing, learning disability nurses and paediatric nurses.

Epilepsy nurses work in a variety of areas for adults and children for example in acute care, neurology services, community services, neurosurgery, learning disability services.

Nurses may be able to undertake a development role whilst they develop their skills and knowledge.

ESNA has been involved in the development of Epilepsy Specialist Nurse competencies which outline the skills and knowledge nurses require to develop through the three areas of Novice, competent and expert epilepsy specialist nurse levels.

Some nurses remain within their specialism but wish to develop an expertise in epilepsy. This may be especially true for a community learning disabilities nurse.

Links to Epilepsy Specialist Nurses competencies:

Adults

Children and Young People

Learning Disabilities