Developmental Care Specialist

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Specializes in Developmental Care.

I am head of the developmental care committee in my unit, and I have the developmental care specialist designation from NANN.

What advanced practice degree would best allow me to continue and advance in this? I don't want to be an NNP, but would like to get my masters. I just don't know which direction to go in.

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Specializes in NICU, PICU, educator.

Our CNS is our big developmental person, she works with our committee pretty closely and also with the medical staff.

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At my hospital, an occupational therapist is our developmental care specialist.

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Specializes in NICU.

Fulita (and anyone else), can you tell me about the Developmental Care Specialist exam and how you prepared for it? I've read the NANN developmental textbook but that's all in terms of preparation. There isn't a lot on the website in terms of preparation, test format, etc. Any tips?

In terms of your question, I've always heard of CNS as developmental leaders. My unit doesn't have one, or really much of anyone that's passionate about developmental care, unfortunately.

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Specializes in Developmental Care.

NANN has a study prep program for the test, that's what I did. I read the book and the study program. The test has some general theory questions, and is mostly application with scenarios, so you need to know how to apply the information. It was harder than I expected.

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Specializes in NICU.

Thank you!

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Specializes in DNP, NNP-BC, RNC-NIC, C-ELBW, DCSD.

I just took it and passed. Didn't study. If your passion is developmental care it's common sense.

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Specializes in DNP, NNP-BC, RNC-NIC, C-ELBW, DCSD.

I just took it and passed. Didn't study. If your passion is developmental care it's common sense. I would say go for CNS, especially if you don't want NNP or go for MSN-Ed?

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