[poetryeclipse]

Hello my name is Amber and I just started working with Developmentally Disabled Individuals and I absolutely love my job! I am interested in becoming an LPN and eventually becoming an RN and maybe if I have the opportunity getting my master's as a Nurse Practitioner. I would love to work with the Developmentally Disabled Individuals once I get my master's degree but I'm not really sure what career options there are avalable to me. Right now I work with 4 individuals as awake overnight staff and will at the end of this month become a CMT. I have an individual who has autism, one who has cerebral palsy and is basically paralyzed, another who was once completely normal but developed a brain tumor which makes her forget things and the 4th is a mixture of mild retardation, manic depressive and also shows signs of cleptomania. I consider myself very lucky to know each of these individuals, and I can honestly say I have never met more loving and caring people in my life. They appreciate everything you do for them and although they sometimes have behavorial problems they are usually very happy individuals. I have started looking into LPN Programs as well as RN Programs and I have also read that once you become an LPN and work in a DD setting for atleast 2 years you can sit for the DD certification and the same with RN's. Do any of you have any special certifications? Do you think that maybe I should try speaking with the Nurse on duty at the center or someone at work who could point me in the right direction? I have always been interested in the DD and just never knew where to began. Being a Med Tech, well almost a CMT I have finally found my calling and now I'm trying to gather as much information as possible about DD nursing. Any information you can give me I would really appreciate, thanks.

Amber

[zoo4uRN]

Hi Amber-

I know this not a timely response, but thought I would pass along the info for anyone that may be interested
There is a specialty certification for DD Nursing--Check out this website:

DDNA Website - Home

If you click on the "Networks" link at the top of the page, you may be able to find a group in your area. Some networks may open their continuing ed.
meetings to folks who are interested in DD Nursing careers. Never hurts to ask .

Good luck to you!

Debbie