Optimizing Care for Hospitalized Individuals with IDD

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 often find themselves delivering care to a population with unique needs and challenges, but without the necessary preparation or tools, which can lead 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.

Continuing Education Contact Hours

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.