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Developmental Disability Nurse Jobs (NOW HIRING)

State of Maryland - MDH Potomac Center

MD · On-site

ICF-ID; Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services; CNA Certification/statutory\r\n requirements ... Five years of\r\nexperience providing residential services in a developmental disability or\r ...

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How much do developmental disability nurse jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 4, 2026, the average hourly pay for developmental disability nurse in the United States is $38.62, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $29.57 and $43.27 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a developmental disability nurse?

A Developmental Disability Nurse (DDN) is a specialized nurse who provides care for individuals with developmental disabilities such as autism, cerebral palsy, Down syndrome, and other cognitive or physical impairments. They work in various settings, including group homes, schools, clinics, and private residences, assisting patients with daily living activities, medical treatments, and emotional support. Their role includes assessing health needs, administering medications, coordinating care plans, and educating families and caregivers about managing disabilities. DDNs advocate for their patients' well-being, promoting independence and improving their quality of life. This nursing specialty requires patience, compassion, and strong communication skills to address the unique challenges of each individual.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a developmental disability nurse, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Developmental Disability Nurse, you need specialized nursing knowledge in developmental disabilities, state licensure (RN or LPN), and experience in individualized care planning. Familiarity with assistive communication devices, documentation using electronic health records (EHRs), and protocols for behavioral or crisis intervention is often required. Compassion, patience, strong advocacy skills, and the ability to build trust quickly are vital soft skills in this role. These abilities are crucial for providing effective, empathetic care and supporting individuals and families in diverse, challenging situations.

What are some common challenges faced by developmental disability nurses, and how are they addressed on the job?

Developmental Disability Nurses often encounter challenges such as managing complex behavioral needs, ensuring effective communication with non-verbal patients, and adapting care plans to suit individual abilities. To address these, nurses work closely with interdisciplinary teams that may include therapists, social workers, and family members, utilizing strategies such as behavior support plans and adaptive communication tools. Ongoing training, mentorship from experienced colleagues, and access to resources like crisis intervention protocols help nurses navigate these situations successfully. The supportive teamwork and structured processes in most settings ensure both patient safety and job satisfaction for nurses in this field.

More about Developmental Disability Nurse jobs
What cities are hiring for Developmental Disability Nurse jobs? Cities with the most Developmental Disability Nurse job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Developmental Disability Nurse jobs? The most popular types of Developmental Disability Nurse jobs are:
What states have the most Developmental Disability Nurse jobs? States with the most job openings for Developmental Disability Nurse jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Developmental Disability Nurse jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Developmental Disability Nurse jobs are:
Developmental Disability Nurse jobs near you
Infographic showing various Developmental Disability Nurse job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 79% Full Time, 19% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $80,321 per year, or $38.6 per hour.

Registered Nurse for Developmentally Disabled

Beulah Home Care LLC

Springboro, OH • On-site

$35/hr

Part-time

Re-posted 27 days ago

Job description

Position is located in Springboro, OH
Growing company located in Mason, OH is hiring for a Registered Nurse to work with a client located in Springboro, OH.  Current hours are 8:00 p.m. to 4:00 a.m., Sunday, Monday and Tuesday - hours are overnight.
A Developmental Disability Nurse (DDN) is a specialized Registered Nurse (RN)  who provides medical and behavioral care for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD).
Core Responsibilities
Direct Clinical Care:  Administering medications, managing medical equipment (like feedings tubes), and monitoring chronic conditions.
Case Management:  Developing Individualized Service Plans (ISP"s) and coordinating with interdisciplinary teams, including doctors, occupational therapists, and speech pathologists.
Communication Support:  Interpreting the needs of non-verbal patients and training them on alternative communication methods.
Advocacy:  Protecting the rights of patients and ensuring they receive appropriate accommodations in schools, workplaces, and healthcare settings.
Training & Oversight:  Educating family members and supervising Direct Support Professionals (DSP"s) who assist with daily living tasks.