Applied to 2 Residential DD programs

Specialties Disabilities

Published

Specializes in Med/Surg, LDRP.

Hi all,

This is my first post on allnurses! I'm an RN with about 3 years of bedside experience, including med/surg and LDRP. I've just applied to two residential I/DD facilities in my area. I'm very excited about the possibility of working in this specialty! While in nursing school I worked at a summer camp for DD children and really loved it and still value that experience. I just wanted to do a little intro. I know if I am able to land one of these jobs the people I currently work with will not truly understand how I could want to leave a good L&D position for DD nursing. Hoping to find others passionate about this area who understanding wanting to care for those who are often undeserved. Hope to get to know some of you and I hope to join you working in DD nursing by years end. :-)

-Spectator

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Good Luck! I feel the same way. Hoping to get into this area myself or in a school for ID/DD children. I have two interviews behind me, both are checking references. Hoping!

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Specializes in Med/Surg, LDRP.

I interviewed for one, was offered and declined. I'm hoping I can find something was I think would fit me a little better because I'm looking for somewhere I can stay long term. There are limited opportunities for DD nursing in my area though. Thinking it might take me a while to get a good offer. Good luck with where you've applied! The residential ID/DD schools in my area are at the top of my wish list.

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Signed my acceptance papers today! I'm hired. Looking forward to this experience.

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Specializes in Med/Surg, LDRP.

Congratulations :-)! What type of facility did you end up accepting?

I declined my first offer after having a bad feeling about the company/working conditions. I have since been able to interview with my 1st choice and it went well. Should hear back by the end of the week!

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Congrats! I hope you find working in this field as rewarding and enjoyable as many of us! I am a member of the Developmental Disabilities Nurses Association, and they have great resources and networking for us DD nurses. Many times nurses in this field feel very alone because we are very autonomous and have few other nurses (or none at all) in our companies. The BEST thing you can do is reach out and seek out others in this field!

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Specializes in Med/Surg, LDRP.

Good suggestion. Joining DDNA & networking with others is one of the first things I did. Being such a small specialty, it has been difficult to find others who work in the field. I'm so glad I found others in my area through DDNA! They've really been so supportive and helpful in finding quality job opportunities.

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I sought out this group, because I kept hearing good things as a private duty RN in the community. I had been on several interviews and always observed that the employees seemed happy to be there. DDNA is definitely on my list of organizations to join and I glad to see members that endorse it.

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Specializes in LTC.
Signed my acceptance papers today! I'm hired. Looking forward to this experience.

Congrats! I love working in this specialty.

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