The Developmental Disability Nurses Association is a professional body established to ensure the development of expertise and to maintain standards of practice for nurses specializing in intellectual and physical disabilities. This body is the only one authorized to confer certification, entitling a nurse to use the title Certified Developmental Disabilities Nurse (RN, CDDN) or the title Licensed Practical Nurse Developmental Disabilities Certified (LPN, DDC) or Licensed Vocational Nurse Developmental Disabilities Certified (LVN, DDC). While it is not essential for qualified nurses to have this certification, it can improve career prospects and demonstrate commitment, expertise and professionalism to employers and patients. The DDN certification must be renewed every two years.
To be eligible for the examination for the DDNA certificate at the appropriate level, you must have a minimum of 4,000 hours of work experience in developmental disabilities nursing, following qualification. There are two certification programs run by the DDNA: the Registered Nurse Certification Program for RNs and the Licensed Practical Nurse/Licensed Vocational Nurse Certification Program for LPNs and LVNs. Once you have the necessary nursing qualifications and work experience hours, you can apply to take the exam. Following approval, you can then arrange to complete the exam at any time within the following two years.
The exam is designed to evaluate your overall knowledge of developmental disabilities nursing. It will test your knowledge of common conditions relating to developmental disabilities, related health problems and their symptoms, care and treatment, medication, seizure care, relationships with caregivers and other direct care providers and legal issues affecting the rights of those with developmental disabilities. The exam tests your knowledge of the human lifespan, so even if you specialize in pediatrics or geriatric nursing, you should ensure your knowledge extends to the whole of the human lifecycle, beyond your specialization.
The DDNA website (see Resources) provides a recommended reading list for preparing for the exam. The website also offers a free online course for logged-in members of the DDNA. Topics covered include syndromes and conditions, the history of developmental disabilities nursing, health care protocols and a number of topics formed around specific case studies. You can study this online course alone, but it is a good idea to have study sessions with colleagues who are also working toward certification. If you are not a member of the DDNA, you can pay to take this course online with HealthSoft Inc. Other companies, such as PearlsReview, also offer online courses aimed at preparing you for DDNA certification.