23 Mart 2012 Cuma

What does a Developmental Disability Nurse Do?

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With hundreds of thousands of hospitals across the country, there's no wonder that there are so many specialized niches in the nursing field. From pediatrics to geriatrics, rehabilitative care to cancer and heart monitoring to general nursing practice, there seems to be a never-ending need for registered nurses.

A specialized segment in the field of nursing is developmental disability nursing. These professionals provide care to those who have developmental or mental disabilities, such as autism, Down's syndrome, mental retardation and Asperger's syndrome.

These developmental disorders are mostly chronic. They can develop at birth and affect the patient's entire life. Disability nurses work one-on-one with these patients to provide education and offer an open level of communication to family and friends.

The main duties of a developmental disabilities nurse involve assisting with feeding and other daily functions, encouraging mobility and assisting with communication. These special needs nurses can work outside of a hospital or can be found in workplaces, group homes, schools or long-term care centers.

Becoming a Developmental Disabilities Nurse

If you've ever considered a career as a developmental disability nurse, the most important factor to keep in mind is that you must possess an enormous amount of patience and compassion for disabled individuals and their families. Developmental diseases may be among the most difficult ailments to understand, so it's important to keep a level head when working with patients. Interpretation of patients' needs and attempts at communication is another key factor in becoming a successful special needs nurse.

To begin your career as a developmental disabilities nurse, you'll first need to earn a nursing degree and certification as a Registered Nurse (RN). You'll then complete at least two years of work in a career-appropriate setting, working with developmentally disabled people. Next, you'll take a voluntary certification test, with is accredited by the Developmental Disabilities Nurses Association (DDNA).

Once you pass the exam, you'll become certified as a developmental disabilities nurse. The annual earnings in this field of nursing range from $50,000 to $60,000, and can vary based on the area in which you work.

Medical professionals say that the nursing industry will continue to grow for generations to come as medicine and technology continue to work concurrently. Not only are there perks in this industry, from financial incentives to travel opportunities, but these nurses can create relationships with patients that can last a lifetime.


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