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For more than 125 years, Johnson & Johnson has been proud to advocate for, elevate, and empower the nursing profession, as we know that nurses are the backbone of health care.
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Why be a nurse?

A career in nursing is one of the most exciting and rewarding occupations. Nurses provide vital hands-on patient care, but that’s not all they do. They are leaders, innovators, educators, change makers helping improve access to care.
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Career advice and inspiration

When new ideas can save lives, nurse innovators need support to move from bedside to boardroom. Their firsthand experience helps them identify patient needs and shape the future of healthcare, as seen in stories from leaders inspiring the next generation.
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Why specialize as a nurse?

Once you’re a Registered Nurse you can take your career in so many new directions by specializing in an area you really enjoy.
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    Nursing
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    1. Nursing/
    2. Nursing specialties/
    3. 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.
    Required education
    ADN or BSN
    Average annual salary
    $80,000
    ZipRecruiter (Jan. 2026)
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    Varied
    Take on different tasks, patients, and situations every day.
    red icon of marker pin to represent the concept of out-of-hospital nursing specialty career attribute
    Out-of-hospital
    Treat patients in their homes, during travel, or other non-hospital environments.
    red icon of two persona figures to represent the concept of patient-facing nursing specialty career attribute
    Patient-facing
    Work hands-on, directly with patients.
    red icon showing workflow diagram to represent the concept of structured nursing specialty career attribute
    Structured
    Follow a routine that allows you to anticipate and prepare for every situation.
    red icon of persona figure to represent the concept of independent nursing specialty career attribute
    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.
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    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

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