A day in the life of a developmental disability nurse...

[Louisepug]

Hi everyone,

I will be graduating nursing school in 2006, and right now am just kinda feeling my way around, and trying to get as much information from experienced nurses in my different fields of interest. I definately have an interest in this field, and am just curious to know what a "typical" day in the life of a dev. disability nurse is like. Also, how wide open is this field for say, a new grad? Do they prefer you to have regular med-surg or any other experience before you would be hired? Thanks for your time everyone! Louisepug

[australianrn]

I have a great job and feel so lucky to have found it. After 4 years I am still enjoying all aspects of it. I look after 4 or 5 disabled children each shift, under 6 years of age. I do all the charting, meds, g feeds, ng feeds if any. I have gotten very close to the kids and their families over the years.

DD is a very rewarding area to work in.

[Markthemalenurse]

I do agree that this field can be very rewarding.

[gajalama]

Hi, I'm a RN with more than 32 yrs experience and a Master's in Nursing. I've been working in the DD field for over 4 yrs and it's the most fulfilling work I've done as a RN. My many yrs in hospital, clinic, and community health nursing all contribute to my ability to serve the MRDD population. The pay is less than in acute care settings. The State where I live closed it's institutions for the MRDD population more than 10 yrs ago. Most individuals w/ MRDD are cared for in community based settings. Some are supported by the State, others by non-profit orgs. My advice is: work in an acute care setting (med/surg) nursing for at least two yrs. I'm the Health Services Dir. for the org I work for, and I require at least five yrs of acute care or skilled nursing experience. Hope this helps you. I'm glad that you want to work w/ those individuals w/ MRDD. They are the joys of my life and the staff who provide direct care/support in their homes are wonderful.

[DDRN4me]

HI gajalama what state are you from? your position sounds very similar to mine, as does your state's care system .

Another question,.,, how many here are CDDNs? do you belong to DDNA?

Mary

[gertiemae91]

Head Start or Early HEad Start you might start there.

[rblbzav]

I have worked in the DD field for about 14 years.. my background is nursing home for 3 years and Rehab in the hospital for 3 years before I found the DD field to be my calling. Yes the stress is just as much.. finding docs that will take DD patinets etc.. but It's the best job I have ever had and I wouldn't trade it for anything. The rewards more than make up for the crappy wages.. LOL This is why I am a nurse... and it is the best!

What you have to decide is what yur choice of "specialty" is going to be and be willing to sacrifce some part.

[rblbzav]

I have worked in the DD field for about 14 years.. my background is nursing home for 3 years and Rehab in the hospital for 3 years before I found the DD field to be my calling. Yes the stress is just as much.. finding docs that will take DD patinets etc.. but It's the best job I have ever had and I wouldn't trade it for anything. The rewards more than make up for the crappy wages.. LOL This is why I am a nurse... and it is the best!

What you have to decide is what yur choice of "specialty" is going to be and be willing to sacrifce some part.

A typical day can make your hair go grey.. but one smile or hug from a client will more than make up for the stress you are feeling

[Arls]

Hi there

I've been in the MR/DD business for 11 years and have hired many nurses. While I prefer those with experience I have hired without and it has worked out just as nicely. Having some med surg background would serve you well but not necessary. Because this type of nursing is very much autonomous, the more knowledge you have, the better.

I hope that helps