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Developmental Disability Nursing Jobs in Wisconsin

Director of Nursing

Juneau, WI · On-site

$52.48/hr

Life insurance, Long-term disability, short-term disability and Flex spending * Participation in ... Identifies staff development needs; coordinates training with Executive Director/Administrator.

Showing results 21-40

Developmental Disability Nursing information

See Wisconsin salary details

$39.4K

$91.8K

$145.3K

How much do developmental disability nursing jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 12, 2026, the average yearly pay for developmental disability nursing in Wisconsin is $91,785.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $75,200.00 and $104,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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

To thrive as a Developmental Disability Nurse, you need a nursing degree, RN licensure, and specialized knowledge in caring for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Familiarity with assistive technologies, individualized care planning software, and certifications such as the Developmental Disabilities Nursing Certification (CDDN) are often required. Compassion, patience, strong communication, and advocacy skills help nurses build trust and support both patients and their families. These competencies are crucial for providing tailored care, promoting patient independence, and ensuring well-being in this specialized field.

What are some common challenges faced by nurses working in developmental disability settings, and how can they be addressed?

Nurses in developmental disability settings often encounter challenges such as communication barriers with nonverbal patients, managing complex medical and behavioral needs, and ensuring patient safety while promoting independence. Building strong, trusting relationships with patients, collaborating closely with interdisciplinary teams (such as therapists and caregivers), and utilizing adaptive communication tools can help address these challenges. Ongoing training in behavioral support techniques and person-centered care is also essential for providing high-quality, compassionate care in this field.

What is developmental disability nursing?

Developmental disability nursing is a specialized field of nursing that focuses on providing care and support to individuals with developmental disabilities, such as autism, Down syndrome, cerebral palsy, and intellectual disabilities. Nurses in this field assess health needs, develop care plans, administer medications, and help patients maximize their independence and quality of life. They also work closely with families, educators, and other healthcare professionals to ensure holistic care. This nursing specialty requires compassion, patience, and specialized training to address the unique challenges faced by people with developmental disabilities.

What is the difference between Developmental Disability Nursing vs Pediatric Nursing?

AspectDevelopmental Disability NursingPediatric Nursing
Required CredentialsRN license, specialized training in developmental disabilitiesRN license, pediatric care certification
Work EnvironmentCommunity clinics, residential facilities, schoolsHospitals, pediatric clinics, schools
Employer & IndustryHealthcare providers serving individuals with developmental disabilitiesHospitals, pediatric practices, schools
Common Search & ComparisonYesNo

Developmental Disability Nursing focuses on caring for individuals with developmental disabilities, often in community or residential settings, requiring specialized training. Pediatric Nursing centers on health care for children in hospitals or clinics. While both roles require RN licensure, their work environments and patient populations differ significantly.

What are popular job titles related to Developmental Disability Nursing jobs in Wisconsin? For Developmental Disability Nursing jobs in Wisconsin, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Developmental Disability Nursing jobs in Wisconsin look for? The top searched job categories for Developmental Disability Nursing jobs in Wisconsin are:
Infographic showing various Developmental Disability Nursing job openings in Wisconsin as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 76% Full Time, 20% Part Time, 2% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 96% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $91,785 per year, or $44.1 per hour.

Nursing Assistant Inpatient- Surgical Services- PT

Sanford Health

Marshfield, WI • On-site

$31K - $41K/yr

Part-time

Re-posted 19 days ago


Sanford Health rating

6.8

Company rating: 6.8 out of 10

Based on 546 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

494th of 887 rated healthcare providers


Job description

Sanford Health is one of the largest and fastest-growing not-for-profit health systems in the United States. We're proud to offer many development and advancement opportunities to our nearly 50,000 members of the Sanford Family who are dedicated to the work of health and healing across our broad footprint.

Work Shift:

Varies (United States of America)

Scheduled Weekly Hours:

16Salary Range: $17.50 - $23.00

Union Position:

No

Department Details

Summary

The Nursing Assistant (NA) serves as caregiver to the patient during the scheduled work period. The NA provides patient-centered nursing care and daily living assistance to assigned patient under the supervision of a Registered Nurse (RN) or Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN).

Job Description

Provide assistance with basic health care needs including daily living activities; bathing, grooming, toileting, eating, meal preparation and dining needs, emotional and spiritual needs. Administer delegated tasks and treatments. Record vital statistics and other basic health information. Will collect non-invasive biological specimens from patients as needed. Perform clerical work related to scheduling and documenting patient healthcare. Prepare patient treatment areas for use; prepare and clean medical equipment; dispose of biomedical waste in accordance with standards and policy. Clean patient living areas or treatment rooms. When necessary for safe provision of care, employee will provide one on one care to patients.

Qualifications

High school graduate or general equivalency diploma (GED) preferred, but not required.
Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) is preferred. Obtains and subsequently maintains required department specificcompetencies and certifications.If working in North Dakota (ND) and not a Certified Nursing Assistant, must be on the North Dakota Department of Health Nurse Aide Registry upon completion of training/competency validation or a maximum of four months from the date of initial employment.

Sanford is an EEO/AA Employer M/F/Disability/Vet.


If you are an individual with a disability and would like to request an accommodation for help with your online application, please call 1-877-673-0854 or send an email to talent@sanfordhealth.org.


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About Sanford Health

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Sanford Health is one of the largest and fastest-growing not-for-profit health systems in the United States. We're proud to offer many development and advancement opportunities to our nearly 50,000 members of the Sanford Family who are dedicated to the work of health and healing across our broad footprint.

Industry

Health care and social assistance and hospitals

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Sioux Falls, SD, US

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