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Developmental Disabilities Nursing Certification RN or LPN/LVN Become a C.D.D.N.
(Certified Developmental Disabilities Nurse) The Developmental Disabilities Nurses Association, in collaboration with the National League for Nursing Test Service, established a national professional certification program for achievement of the Certified Developmental Disabilities Nurse (C.D.D.N.) credential in 1995. This certification process has been developed to provide tangible recognition of professional achievement in a defined functional and clinical area of nursing-developmental disabilities. D.D.N.A. is a non-profit specialty organization that fosters high standards of ethical and professional practice through a recognized, credible credentialing program.
Why Certify?
Certification attests to the attainment of specialized knowledge beyond the basic nursing credential. Certification serves to maintain and promote quality nursing care by providing a mechanism for nurses to demonstrate their proficiency in a nursing specialty area. It documents that special knowledge has been achieved, elevates the standards of developmental disabilities nursing practice, and provides for expanded career opportunities and advancement within the specialty of developmental disabilities nursing. Certification benefits the individual nurse, the profession of nursing, and the public.
Certification is reserved for those nurses who have met requirements for clinical or functional practice in developmental disabilities nursing practice, a specialized field. After meeting practice requirements, nurses take a certification examination, based on nationally-recognized standards, to demonstrate their special knowledge and skills which surpass those required for licensure.
The examination to bcome a RN, CDDN is an objective, multiple-choice test consisting of approximately 200 items that cover knowledge, understanding, and application of professional nursing theory and practice related to developmental disabilities. The examination blueprint was developed based on a job task analysis survey compiled by D.D.N.A.
NURSES BENEFIT National professional certification is an important step for nurses. It represents the opportunity to gain recognition, visibility, and credibility. It is an accomplishment recognized by consumers, colleagues, and employers. It is a source of personal achievement that allows certified nurses to set themselves apart from their peers. Developmental disabilities nurses who become nationally certified demonstrate a commitment to the professionalism of their specialty and to the individuals they serve.
EMPLOYERS BENEFIT
National professional certification represents that a candidate for employment posesses a core body of knowledge. It stands as a commitment to professional and ethical service. It also means the nurse is committed to self-improvement and respect for the individuals they serve. Certified Developmental Disabilities Nurses are at work in a number of capacities - as consultants, in public agencies, in private agencies, in research facilities, group homes, sheltered workshop programs, children's hospitals, schools, institutions, and other settings. Employers find that professionally certified nurses attract clients because the credential stands for quality, consistency, and professional service. Many of the regulatory surveying entities are requesting or requiring professional certification.
CONSUMERS BENEFIT National professional certification assures consumers and their families that their interests are being protected. They feel more comfortable using the services of nationally certified practitioners. Consumers and their families can trust that they are being served by a recognized professional.
The Value Of National Professional Certification:
| The Examination
The certification examination is an objective, multiple-choice test consisting of approximately 200 items that cover knowledge, understanding, and application of professional nursing theory and practice related to developmental disabilities. The examination blueprint was developed based on a developmental disabilities nursing job task analysis survey compiled by D.D.N.A.
The Process For RNs
1. Obtain an application. Applications are available for $5 from the D.D.N.A. office. Be sure and specify RN application. 2. Gather documentation and complete the application. Applications must be thoroughly completed and accompanied by all supporting documentation. 3. Submit application and documentation by application deadline. Applications, along with the application fee, must be submitted a minimum of five weeks prior to the desired exam date to ensure qualification review for a specific exam site. 4. Retain your qualification letter. Eligible candidates will receive a qualification letter for the examination. This letter must be presented at the examination site. 5. Register for the exam site and retain examination permit. Each test site will require registration by approved candidates to ensure space at that site. Nurses approved to take the examination should return the registration form accompanied by the appropriate fee to be received the D.D.N.A. office a minimum of two weeks prior to the selected exam date. Registered candidates will be sent an examination permit that must be surrendered at the exam site. 6. Sit for the examination. Candidates will sit for the paper/pencil exam at the designated site. The time limit is 3 1/2 hours - there is no break. 7. Results. Each exam is scored and analyzed using psychometric procedures developed for that examination.
Get Your Application Today!
Specify that you want the RN application and please send a check or money order in the amount of $5 - along with your name and complete mailing address to: D.D.N.A. Certification
1733 H Street, Suite 330, PMB 1214
Blaine, WA 98230
Study Guide Available D.D.N.A. Study Guides are available through the office for $30
for details, contact the D.D.N.A. office. For More Information:
Phone: (800) 888-6733
Fax: (360) 332-2280
e-mail: ddnahq@aol.com
Basic Requirements Registered nurses with a minimum of 4,000 hours (two years full-time equivalent) of developmental disabilities nursing practice within the past five years are eligible to apply for certification.
~ 2004 ~
RN Certification
Examination Sites
2005 Examination Sites
May 3, 2005 - Columbus, Ohio
HOST: D.D.N.A. and D.D.N.A. 2005
Hyatt Regency Columbus * 2:00 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Application Deadline: March 30, 2005
Approved Candidate Registration Guideline: April 20, 2005The examination schedule changes frequently during the year. call the D.D.N.A. office at (800) 888-6733 for current exam schedule information. D.D.N.A. reserves the right to cancel an examination site if registration is insufficient. Other Site Cities for 2005
(Date & Location Details Pending)
* Salt Lake City, UT
* Orlando, FL
* Providence, RI
REMINDER: Examination candidate eligibility is valid for two years from the date of application. | | |
The examination schedule changes frequently during the year. call the D.D.N.A. office at (800) 888-6733 for current exam schedule information. D.D.N.A. reserves the right to cancel an examination site if registration is insufficient.
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![]() | | | Becoming a LPN, DDC or LVN, DDC Certification attests to the attainment of specialized knowledge beyond the basic nursing credential. Certification serves to maintain and promote quality nursing care by providing a mechanism for nurses to demonstrate their proficiency in a nursing specialty area. It documents that special knowledge has been achieved, elevates the standards of developmental disabilities nursing practice, and provides for expanded career opportunities and advancement within the specialty of developmental disabilities nursing. Certification benefits the individual nurse, the profession of nursing, and the public.
Certification is reserved for those nurses who have met requirements for clinical or functional practice in developmental disabilities nursing practice, a specialized field. After meeting practice requirements, nurses take a certification examination, based on nationally-recognized standards, to demonstrate their special knowledge and skills which surpass those required for licensure.
The examination to become a LPN, DDC or LVN, DDN is an objective, computerized multiple-choice test that cover knowledge, understanding, and application of nursing theory and practice related to developmental disabilities.
NURSES BENEFIT
National certification is an important step for nurses. It represents the opportunity to gain recognition, visibility, and credibility. It is an accomplishment recognized by consumers, colleagues, and employers. It is a source of personal achievement that allows certified nurses to set themselves apart from their peers. Developmental disabilities nurses who become nationally certified demonstrate a commitment to their specialty and to the individuals they serve.
EMPLOYERS BENEFIT
National certification represents that a candidate for employment posesses a core body of knowledge. It stands as a commitment to professional and ethical service. It also means the nurse is committed to self-improvement and respect for the individuals they serve. LPNs/LVNs certified in developmental disabilities are at work in a number of capacities - in public agencies, in private agencies, in research facilities, group homes, sheltered workshop programs, children's hospitals, schools, institutions, and other settings. Employers find that certified nurses attract clients because the credential stands for quality, consistency, and professional service.
CONSUMERS BENEFIT
National certification assures consumers and their families that their interests are being protected. They feel more comfortable using the services of nationally certified practitioners. Consumers and their families can trust that they are being served by a recognized professional.
The Process For LPN/LVNs 1. Obtain an application. Applications are available for $5 from the D.D.N.A. office. Be sure and specify the LPN/LVN application.
Applications must be thoroughly completed and accompanied by all supporting documentation.
3. Submit application and documentation by application deadline. Applications, along with the application fee, must be submitted a minimum of five weeks prior to the desired exam date to ensure qualification review for a specific exam site.
Eligible candidates will receive a qualification letter for the examination. This letter must be presented at the examination site.
5. Register for the exam site and retain examination permit. Each test site will require registration by approved candidates to ensure space at that site. Candidates approved to take the examination should return the registration form accompanied by the appropriate fee to be received at the D.D.N.A. office a minimum of two weeks prior to the selected exam date (see deadlines for specific exam.) Registered candidates will be sent an examination permit that must be surrendered at the exam site.
6. Sit for the examination. Candidates will sit for the computerized exam at the designated site. Time limit is three hours and there is no break.
7. Results. Each exam is scored and analyzed using psychometric procedures developed for that examination by Health Education Systems.
Get Your Application Today!
Specify a LPN/LVN application and please send a check or money order in the amount of $5 - along with your name and complete mailing address to:
4. Retain your qualification letter.
2. Gather documentation and complete the application.
D.D.N.A. Certification
1733 H Street, Suite 330, PMB 1214
Blaine, WA 98230
~ 2004 ~
LPN/LVN Certification
Examination Sites
May 3, 2005 - Columbus, Ohio
HOST: D.D.N.A. and D.D.N.A. 2005
Hyatt Regency Columbus * 2:00 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Application Deadline: March 30, 2005
Approved Candidate Registration Guideline: April 20, 2005 Other Site Cities for 2005
(Date & Location Details Pending)
* Salt Lake City, UT
* Orlando, FL
* Providence, RI
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For further details visit the D.D.N.A Web site www.ddna.org
Links for CEU on developmental disabilities also will help you prepare for the test and meet the requirements for certification http://www.specialneedsnurse.org http://www.healthsoftonline.com/hsi/ddnacatalog.asp http://www.icomm.ca/geneinfo/crouzon.htm Crouzon (Cranialfacial Dystosis) and Other genetic disorders - Great site with photos with an alphabetical index. Medical Mnemonics- helpful ways to memorize information on diseases. Mneumonics on ASD, Hurler's etc. The E.K. Shriver Center at UMASS Medical School- currently developing a course in ASD to assist nurses in providing services to children and their families.
The E.K. Shriver Center at the University of Massachusetts Medical School has a long history of service, training and research in the field of developmental disabilities. We are currently developing course content for nurses to assist them in providing services and resource information for children with Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) and their families. The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of the American Psychiatric Association – IVTR currently includes the following categories under Pervasive Developmental Disorder or Autism Spectrum Disorder: Autism Disorder, Asperger’s disorder, Pervasive Developmental Disorder Not Otherwise Specified (NOS), childhood disintegrative disorder, and Rett’s disorder. Your participation in this survey will be of great assistance in guiding us toward developing the course content that is most important for nurses. This is a brief survey and should require only about 10 minutes to complete. page update: 12/04
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