How to get started in developmental disabilities nursing?

Published

Any advice on how to get started in this field? I live in a fairly rural area and there aren't any agencies that specifically deal with developmental disabilities, so I'm not really sure how to get going.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

I love to hear that people are wanting to get into this field. I have been working with special needs children and young adults for most of my life. I have an uncle with Cerebral Palsy and he kicked butt in Special Olympics for years...I love that man! Now, depending on where you live, what licensure you hold and exactly what skills you have now, that will tell me who you should contact. Try to find a facility for special needs children/adults and talk to them about maybe volunteering. A lot of times, these places know other similar places for you to get involved or find a job. As for an agency, not all are the same and some are really not worth your time. Trust me! I am an LPN with years of experience and can walk into any case cold, if needed. My area of specialty happens to be kids on vents. If you have this experience, that helps immensely. I am trying to get off of my butt now to get back to school and at least get my ASN. I would be happy with that. I wish I could offer more assistance, but without giving personal info on here, that limits my advice. I will leave you with a few of the agency's that may be worth looking into: TenderCare, Pediatric Nursing Specialists (Pyramids Tower 1), Advantage, Loving Care. I have friends at TenderCare and it was nominated as a very good place to work. I am considering moving to that agency myself. You will see a major difference in the type and amount of benefits from agency to agency. At my agency, I make good money but I receive absolutely no benefits of any kind! I love my job and the family I help. So, you have to decide what benefit is right for you. I wish you the best of luck in your search and if I can be of any more service, please contact me here. I am new to this site and hope I can be useful.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in retired LTC.

Do you have a State Div of Devel Disabilities??? It's civil service - I'm sure they must have adult & child services. And institutional or community-based group homes possibilities.

Good luck.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Children with developmental disabilities covers such a broad range. From children mentally "abled" but physically disabled, on vents, tube feedings, wheel chair or bed bound, etc. they would need a lot of nursing care.

On the opposite end of the range are children with no or minimal physical/medical disabilities but mentally delayed requiring a lot of occupational, speech, physical therapy. That is less a nursing area and more a "therapist" or special education teacher area.

Just want to clarify what you want to or expect to be getting into. That you are aware where the greatest need lies. Whether a nursing vs "therapist" job would be most useful both for the children and for you.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in IDD, and private duty.

In the area where I live there are 3 or 4 agencies as well as the state agency (east TN). I work for a company that has several group homes in 3 neighbog towns. Each home houses 4 indiv. Mon through Fri they attend a Day Program and on weekends are at home or going on outings in the community. I work double shifts Sat and Sun 630am to 930pm with full benefits, including 401k. They also offer Mon -Fri first and second shift. Very low stress compared to LTC I came from. I go between 2 houses in same town, for a total of 8 clients.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in retired LTC.

There may also be some specialized pedi-nursing home/LTC places.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
+ Join the Discussion