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Developmental Disability Nurse Jobs in Iowa (NOW HIRING)

ChildServe

Nurse Practitioner (PRN)

Johnston, IA

... developmental disabilities. Schedule * Flexible hours during days, nights, or weekends. Call ... Provide limited supervision to nurses as needed to support operations. * Collaboration ...

ChildServe

Nurse Practitioner (PRN)

Johnston, IA

... developmental disabilities. Schedule * Flexible hours during days, nights, or weekends. Call ... Provide limited supervision to nurses as needed to support operations. * Collaboration ...

Sevita

Registered Nurse

Cedar Rapids, IA · On-site

... and developmental disabilities. Here we believe every person has the right to live well, and ... SUMMARY The Registered Nurse is responsible for providing nursing services, training, and support ...

Sevita

Registered Nurse

Coralville, IA · On-site

$41/hr

... and developmental disabilities. Here we believe every person has the right to live well, and ... SUMMARY The Registered Nurse is responsible for providing nursing services, training, and support ...

Sevita Health

Registered Nurse

Cedar Rapids, IA · On-site

... and developmental disabilities. Here we believe every person has the right to live well, and ... SUMMARY The Registered Nurse is responsible for providing nursing services, training, and support ...

Sevita Health

Registered Nurse

Coralville, IA · On-site

$41/hr

... and developmental disabilities. Here we believe every person has the right to live well, and ... SUMMARY The Registered Nurse is responsible for providing nursing services, training, and support ...

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Developmental Disability Nurse information

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How much do developmental disability nurse jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 6, 2026, the average hourly pay for developmental disability nurse in Iowa is $36.27, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $27.79 and $40.62 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 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.

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 the most commonly searched types of Developmental Disability Nurse jobs in Iowa?

The most popular types of Developmental Disability Nurse jobs in Iowa are:

What are popular job titles related to Developmental Disability Nurse jobs in Iowa?

For Developmental Disability Nurse jobs in Iowa, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Developmental Disability Nurse jobs in Iowa look for?

The top searched job categories for Developmental Disability Nurse jobs in Iowa are:

What cities in Iowa are hiring for Developmental Disability Nurse jobs?

Cities in Iowa with the most Developmental Disability Nurse job openings:

Developmental Disability Nurse jobs near you
Infographic showing various Developmental Disability Nurse job openings in Iowa as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 76% Full Time, 19% Part Time, 3% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 94% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $75,443 per year, or $36.3 per hour.

Nurse Practitioner (PRN)

ChildServe

Johnston, IA

Per diem

Re-posted 17 days ago

ChildServe rating

7.2

Company rating: 7.2 out of 10

Based on 20 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

Job description

ChildServe is looking for a Per-Diem Advanced Registered Nurse Practitioner (ARNP) to join a dedicated medical team where you’ll make a meaningful impact every day. In this role, you’ll deliver comprehensive inpatient care - from conducting assessments and diagnosing conditions to prescribing treatments and guiding families through care plans. You’ll collaborate closely with an interdisciplinary team and partner with subspecialists to ensure every patient receives exceptional, compassionate care while working within a supportive, mission-driven environment.

Scop

  • Works within the inpatient program.
  • Care for children and young adults up to age 30 with complex medical needs and intellectual or developmental disabilities.

Schedule

  • Flexible hours during days, nights, or weekends. 

Call Rotation: Call rotation after hours and weekends is not required for this PRN role, but there are opportunities to cover on-call shifts if available.

How You’ll Make an Impact 

  • Patient & Family Care: Participate in patient/family meetings to review treatment options and support understanding of medical conditions. Perform exams, order tests, prescribe treatments/medications, and interpret results. Document assessments, care plans, education, and follow‑up in compliance with regulations. Respond to inquiries from patients, families, staff, providers, and referral agencies.
  • Education for Patients, Families, Staff & Community: Prepare and deliver education to patients, families, and community members. Support family engagement and collaboration with the care team. Participate in clinical education and training for staff.
  • Quality of Care & Best Practices: Collaborate with interdisciplinary teams to ensure coordinated, high‑quality care. Promote and apply evidence‑based best practices. Support initiatives related to quality improvement, infection prevention, and antibiotic stewardship. Provide limited supervision to nurses as needed to support operations.
  • Collaboration & Communication: Represent the nurse practitioner role within the organization. Ensure effective communication to support seamless transitions of care.

What You'll Need

  • Master of Science in Nursing or Doctorate of Nursing Practice.
  • ARNP specialty education and license in the state of Iowa in one of these roles:
    • Pediatric Nurse Practitioner (PNP)
    • Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP)
  • Three years of Nurse Practitioner experience.
  • Preferred: Inpatient experience or experience with medical complexities, or intellectual/developmental disabilities.
  • Ability to lift up to 35 lbs, be mobile within the clinical areas, and frequently bend, lift, reach, and stand.
  • Must be able to pass a ChildServe physical examination at commencement of employment and thereafter as regulations require.
  • Ability to understand and communicate effectively and professionally in reading, writing, and speaking the English language.

Make a Difference Every Day at ChildServe

  • ChildServe partners with families to help children with special healthcare needs live a great life. 
  • ChildServe is a leading pediatric healthcare provider with Iowa’s only children's specialty hospital, offering a variety of services and programs to meet each child’s unique needs.
  • ChildServe’s four key specialty areas include: complex medical care, pediatric rehabilitation, autism and behavioral health, and community-based services. With a coordinated approach to care delivery, services are interwoven and streamlined, so families can address their child’s needs in one location.
  • Established in 1928, ChildServe proudly provides more than 30 pediatric specialty services to nearly 6,000 children in Iowa each year.

ChildServe is committed to working with and providing reasonable accommodations to applicants with disabilities. To request assistance with the application process, please email careers@childserve.org. ChildServe is an Equal Opportunity Employer.


 

 

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