How to Become a Disability Nurse

Developmental disabilities nurses, also called special needs nurses, care for patients with a variety of intellectual and developmental needs. They also work closely with the patient's family members to lend support where needed. In conjunction with other health care providers, these nurses assess the patient's needs and make recommendations for ongoing care. The patients cared for may have many different conditions, including learning disabilities, mental retardation, autism and Rett's syndrome.

Instructions

Giving the Disabled Equal Opportunities

• 1

  Pursue an education. You should be after a degree in licensed practical nursing, registered nursing, bachelor of nursing or a master's of nursing. Because of the nursing shortage, nurses with all levels of education will be able to find jobs in the field of developmental disabilities. The responsibilities, salary and advancement opportunities will depend on the nurse's degree.

• 2

  Spend time in a temporary position or shadowing someone who works with individuals who are disabled. This will help you determine if this is the right field for you. This career is very personally rewarding to many nurses, but it is even more challenging than a typical nursing job.

• 3

  Further your career options by working toward a certification in developmental disabilities. To certify, you need 4,000 hours or two complete years of full-time work in a specific area of developmental disabilities. This can be in a hospital, school, elderly care facility, government position or social service agency.

• 4

  Take the written examination for the Registered Nurse Certification in Developmental Disabilities Nursing, which is accredited by the Developmental Disabilities Nurses Association. When passing this test and being certified, you are agreeing to the high standards of the developmental disabilities profession and attesting to your excellent understanding in this field of nursing.

• 5

  Continue your education and get re-certified every two years. Consider an advanced degree. If you are interested in a management position, a bachelor's or master's degree in nursing, along with your experience and certification in developmental disabilities, will open up many opportunities for advancement.