ADVICE, PLEASE: RN with a Certificate in Autism Spectrum Disorders??

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Hi all

I am a Registered Nurse (licensed since '87) working on a RN- Bachelors degree, and just completed a "Certificate in Autism Spectrum Disorders".

I would love to work with DD children but have ZERO pediatric or DD experience......Unless you count my little guy who was diagnosed with Speech delays and Sensory Integration Disorder (but we suspect high functioning autism).

Because of my lack of RECENTexperience, I can not even get an interview!! (I stayed home with my little guy until he began preschool last year) My only recent experience is in a free clinic where I conducted nutrition/diabetes, general health and wellness classes- more like a community/public helath position, really.

I would appreciate any suggestions/advice to make me more "hireable", to work with children in any capacity (DD, psych.,etc., etc.)

Thanks

Di

I hope you are able to find some good DD experiences, the need is there. I would love to see the ppt. I am also completing my BSN with 1 nursing class left and 2 reg courses left :)...so congratulations on that....Holly

Hi Holly:

Congrats to you- only 3 courses left (I'm so jealous)! I will send a copy of the PPT (the feedback would be great since it's a school project)- Just tell me where to send it.

I haven't had time to familiarize myself with the ins and outs of the forum; How do I send you my email address without posting it?

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Specializes in RETIRED Cath Lab/Cardiology/Radiology.

dianabay,

At the top of this page, in the yellow section under the site tabs (Home, Forum, Articles, etc), click on My Account.

There should be a drop-down menu that includes Private Messages and Create Message.

Click on Create Message and the new screen should appear, on which you can prepare your message.

You will need your recipient's exact screen name, for the message.

Once you're done composing the message, click Send and it'll be off.

Good luck! :)

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dianabay,

At the top of this page, in the yellow section under the site tabs (Home, Forum, Articles, etc), click on My Account.

There should be a drop-down menu that includes Private Messages and Create Message.

Click on Create Message and the new screen should appear, on which you can prepare your message.

You will need your recipient's exact screen name, for the message.

Once you're done composing the message, click Send and it'll be off.

Good luck! :)

Thanks, Dianah!!

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Specializes in RETIRED Cath Lab/Cardiology/Radiology.

You're very welcome. :)

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Specializes in Emergency, Family Practice, Occ. Health.

Hi Dianabay,

Is this certificate for nurses or teachers? What college do you get this from? I am very interested in ASD care as an NP.

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Hi medictoRN:

There is no formal education in autism forRNs; I know...I searched and searched. I took the certificate program at JMU (James Madison University) in Harrisonberg, Virginia. The courses were 400 level courses in exceptional education; all of my classmates had their Masters in special education, so I learned a great deal from them. The courses were defintely geared toward classroom management, but absolutely applicable to all settings. It was an excellent program, and you can do it online!

Since no one seems to be interested in me due to my lack of recent acute care experience, I am now considering doing some case management courses and hope to work in autism that way. Btw, my son has autism, and I wanted research-based information, not the myths you find online, thus my motivation for formally studying autism. It is a fascinating disorder!

I would be happy to answer any questions or link you to any information I can.

Diana

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