Developmental Disability Nurse Career in Brief
Disability nurses work with other healthcare providers to care for individuals of all ages with intellectual and developmental disabilities. These registered nurses (RNs) possess specialized training to assist with mobility, communication, bodily function, hygienic, and nutritional needs appropriate to the lifestyle of their patients.
Key Responsibilities
- Direct care
- Case management and development of Individual Service or Education Plans
- Education for patients and families about care options
- Advocacy for patients' rights
Certification Option
- Developmental Disability Nurses Association Certification
Career Traits
- Empathy
- Compassion
- Patience
- Specialized training in disability and special needs healthcare
Where Do Developmental Disability Nurses Work?
Disability nurses may enter the field after earning their nursing degree and RN license. Work experience and certification will broaden employment and salary possibilities. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), hospitals, physicians' offices, home healthcare, and skilled nursing facilities employ the highest level of RNs overall. See below for duties performed by disability nurses by workplace setting.
Hospitals Disability nurses working in hospitals provide direct patient care, coordinate treatment with the healthcare team and specialists, and administer treatment plans.
Home Healthcare Many disability nurses work in home healthcare settings assisting with daily patient living. This may include helping with bodily functions, bathing, and eating; developing mobility and communication skills; and coordinating services with healthcare specialists, family members, and other caregivers.
Schools Schools employ special needs nurses to identify accommodations for students with disabilities like removing barriers to learning and developing and implementing Individual Education Plans. Disability RNs train teachers and staff to assist with accommodations, but they typically provide care, such as tube feeding and giving medication, during school. Some are assigned to a single student depending on the education plan.
Why Become a Developmental Disability Nurse?
RNs who intend to enter the field of disability nursing should consider how their own professional goals and interests fit with the demands and challenges they will encounter.
Advantages to Becoming a Developmental Disability Nurse
Disadvantages to Becoming a Developmental Disability Nurse
How to Become a Developmental Disability Nurse
How Much Do Developmental Disability Nurses Make?
Recent BLS projections show a 5% growth rate for all RN jobs between 2024 and 2034, creating approximately 166,100 openings. As healthcare needs expand for patients with chronic and permanent disabilities and mental health conditions, the demand for disability and special needs nurses will continue to rise.
According to the online job seeker site, ZipRecruiter, developmental disability nursing salaries average $80,321 a year, although compensation varies considerably by years of experience, skill level, and location. While employment opportunities exist across the United States, six cities in California rank among the top 10 highest-paying cities for this nurse specialty.
Resources for Developmental Disability Nurses
Frequently Asked Questions About Developmental Disability Nurses
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