Nursing for Children in Special Education (Autism, ED, etc)

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Hello.

I am volunteering at a special education class in an elementary school. I seriously adore these kids (autism, learning disorders, mostly due to brain damage). That is why I am still considering applying for a teacher credential program. However have been interested nursing for quite some time and have half of my prereqs done for a BSN or entry level masters program.

I realized that I could work with these kids in a hospital/clinic setting as well, especially in advance nursing. I want to get some experience and shadow an RN and/or NP in that field, but I don't know which division to contact. Pediatrics? Neurology?

Can anyone give me any advice or share your experiences in this area?

I am especially leaning towards nursing because I feel like it is a better career choice/path as far as salary, job outlook, advancement in position, etc. Maybe I'm wrong...

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Specializes in ER.

I had the same similar thing when I went into nursing. I worked with special needs kids in a clinic for about 3 year, and totally fell in love!!!

I live in the Atlanta area, and our children's hospital as the Marcus Autism Center that would be a good resource. I say this because I'm sure if you did a little research, you should be able to find something in your area that's about the same

Also, I would ask you to think about this..... you may like those types of children because it's the only thing you have been around... but you may have the ability to care for other kids of special needs children in the nursing setting. Children with cancer? Well, they are a special kind of kid. Children who need new organs? Or just children that have just got diagnosed with sickle cell. I would think that the reasons why you love autistic children can be the same reason why you like working with other types of children as well.

That's what I have learned on my journey into pediatrics (which I have an interview for next week after doing ER for a bit). I hope this helps.

Here's a link to the Marcus Center http://www.marcus.org/

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Jiwon- curious to know if you have made any steps toward your decision?? Sounds like we are on very veryyy similar boats.

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