Every day, acute care nurses work with patients with intellectual and developmental disabilities. This growing population can present nurses with unique communication and behavioral health concerns. The "Optimizing Care for Hospitalized Individuals with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities" modules were designed by nursing experts based on input from acute care nurses, as well as individuals with IDD and their families. The series equips clinical staff with a better understanding of this patient population and practical strategies and tools to provide care.
Education on how to care for patients with intellectual and developmental disabilities is largely absent from nursing degree-granting and continuing education programs. Nurses find themselves delivering care to a population with unique needs and challenges without the necessary preparation or tools, leading to increased stress, burnout, and even fear. They are left depleted and distressed. The Golisano Institute for Developmental Disability Nursing created these modules to address this critical need.
Nurses who have taken the modules are better prepared to care for their patients with IDD.
The program includes four engaging and interactive learning modules, which include scenario-based learning modules and features individuals with IDD describing their own health care experiences and expectations. Participants can learn at their own pace, and after completing the program, they will feel more confident and competent caring for individuals with developmental disabilities. The program is available for purchase by individual nurses, and discounts are available for organizations. Email GolisanoInstitute@sjf.edu to learn more about how your organization can access this transformative program.
The subject matter experts featured in the modules are renowned for their knowledge and expertise regarding the care of hospitalized individuals with IDD. They are doctorally-prepared professionals with clinical and academic experience. Many have published articles and texts featuring strategies and tools to care for this population.
Each module is approximately 30 minutes in length and can be completed at the learner’s pace using a range of devices. Learners can access the modules via desktop, laptop, and mobile devices.
The key benefits of offering this program as part of continuing education to your staff include improved health outcomes and patient experience, prevention of nursing staff burnout, improved morale, significant cost reduction, and improved hospital ratings.
Modules are based on nurse feedback about real, clinical challenges they face in their work. Nurses and educators with experience working with people with IDD provide practical solutions.
Topics include:
Courses are available individually to address specific challenges facing nurses working with hospitalized individuals with IDD. Whether you need to learn about working with patients with behavioral challenges, or how to communicate effectively, you can learn what you need fast.
Participants who complete each module are eligible to receive contact hours reflecting the length of the learning activity.
The Golisano Institute for Developmental Disability Nursing is accredited as a provider of nursing continuing professional development by the American Nurses Credentialing Center's Commission on Accreditation.