developmental disabilities nursing jobs

[shyann]

I was checking on the allnurses.com jobs bulletin, but found no catagory listing for this specialized field.

Are there not a lot of demand for nurses in this field?

I know we don't have such a position in Ontario, but I was interested in knowing if there is work in other places...many U.S.

I am only 30 minutes from the U.S. border.

shyann

[lmd32]

Do you want to just work with DD folks? If so, I'd try the state agency employment web sites. You could also look for private DD service agencies and see what they know. Another resource might be the ARC or even Special Olympics. I am currently a psychologist in a state institution for DD adults. We have lots of nurses, both RN's and LPN's. One of our docs told me that you can certify as a DD nurse. I have contemplated specializing as a nurse practitioner for the developmentally disabled when I finish school.

[LydiaNN]

Here in California, many of the DD nurses I know work for the agency that coordinates services for individuals with developmental disabiliities. You could also look into developmental follow up clinics at the hospitals, although to the best of my knowledge, the hospitals here use NICU nurses to staff those. Some of the Public Health nurses here specialize in chidlren with developmental disabilities, too. You could also consider school nurse positions, either in traditional schools with Special Day classes, or in specialized programs that accommodate children with more severe needs

[Shamrock, BSN, RN]

Go to ddna.org, is the website for developmental disabilities nurses association. They can point you toward the local chapters. Hope this helps, it is a fantabulous field to work in!