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What Does a Developmental Disabilities Nurse Do?

As the name suggests, developmental disabilities nurses work with patients who have physical, mental, or behavioral disabilities. You may have to help feed your patients, aid them with sitting or standing independently, and take steps to control their bodily functions. Some of your patients may not be able to communicate or have their own unique methods of communication.

Developmental disabilities nurses work at mental health facilities, hospitals, group homes, long-term care facilities, and even in school systems. Some of the most common disabilities you may encounter include autism, cerebral palsy, and Down's syndrome.

Education & Training Required to Become a Developmental Disabilities Nurse

Before you can specialize in developmental disabilities nursing, you need to become either a registered nurse or licensed practical nurse. To become a registered nurse, you need an associate's or bachelor's degree in nursing. Licensed practical nurses have to complete a state-approved training program that generally takes one year to complete.

All traditional and online degree programs in developmental disabilities nursing should prepare you to take the voluntary national certification exam. You need to meet a practical requirement before you're eligible to take the exam, which involves working 4,000 hours within the previous five years in one of these (or similar) roles:

• Practicing nurse in developmental disabilities in an institution or community setting
• Nurse administrator or educator in a developmental disabilities program
• Nurse consultant in developmental disabilities

Typical Characteristics of a Developmental Disabilities Nurse

You need a great deal of patience when working with your patients and the ability to remain calm even during emergencies or stressful situations. If you're a registered nurse, you may have to supervise others who have gone through less rigorous degree programs in developmental disabilities nursing, so strong leadership skills can help you advance in this profession.

High Demand for Developmental Disabilities Nurses

The field of nursing overall is expected to have the largest number of new jobs for any occupation in the U.S., with 22 percent growth expected for registered nurses between 2008-2018. Since developmental disabilities nurses need certain special skills, you could find yourself in high demand. A bachelor's degree, earned through a traditional or online degree program, may increase your job opportunities even further.