- Nursing
- Nursing specialties
- Developmental disability nurse
Developmental disability nurse
A developmental disability or special needs nurse takes care of patients with intellectual or developmental disabilities, such as Down Syndrome and Autism.
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Required education
ADN or BSN
Varied
Take on different tasks, patients, and situations every day.
Out-of-hospital
Treat patients in their homes, during travel, or other non-hospital environments.
Patient-facing
Work hands-on, directly with patients.
Structured
Follow a routine that allows you to anticipate and prepare for every situation.
Independent
Work on your own or even start your own practice, in some states.
What is the role of a developmental disability nurse?
You’ll build long-lasting relationships with your patients, learning to anticipate their needs and helping improve the quality of their lives.
What you’ll do as a developmental disability nurse
Education
You’ll teach patients and their families about their condition and the best ways to manage it.
Treatment
You’ll help patients with basic bodily care, movement and communication.
Where you’ll work as a developmental disability nurse
Developmental disability nurses work in a variety of settings, including:
- Hospitals
- Offices
- Patients’ homes
- Schools
How to become a developmental disability nurse
Get an Associate’s Degree in Nursing (ADN) or Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN).
When considering a future nursing career, it’s important to explore the different nursing programs available and the paths they offer. With various options like associate degree programs, bachelor’s degree programs, and direct-entry master’s degree programs, prospective students can choose the educational path that best suits their goals and interests.
Pass the NCLEX-RN.
The National Council Licensure Exam (NCLEX) is the all-important step between graduating from nursing school and becoming a nurse. It’s a standardized test, set by the Board of Nursing in each state, that makes sure you have the knowledge and skills you need to work in the field of nursing.
Work as a Registered Nurse, gaining at least two years’ experience in the field of developmental disabilities.
Get your Certification in Developmental Disabilities Nursing from the Developmental Disabilities Nurses Association.
You’re ready to work as a developmental disability nurse!
Developmental disability nurse career resources
Become a member of a developmental disability nurse organization to find career opportunities, learn from your colleagues, and support the profession.
Developmental Disabilities Nurses Association
Developmental Disabilities Nurses Association
Related nursing specialties
School nurse
A school nurse takes care of students from pre-K school to college, who get sick or injured in an academic setting.
Rural nurse
A rural nurse helps patients living in geographically and culturally isolated areas, who may have limited access to healthcare.