Caring for people with developmental disabilities: survey of nurses about their education and experience

Over 500 nurses in New Jersey responded to a survey on education and training in the area of developmental disabilities. Respondents provided information on their work experience, experience with patients who have developmental disabilities, and opportunities for continuing medical education. Results showed that although many nurses thought educational activities related to developmental disabilities were important, only about 10% said that they received "a lot" of training. Most respondents (almost 60%) said that they received little or no training in the area, and most received no specific training on developmental disabilities since receiving their licenses or in their current job. Implications of these findings in light of the movement of people with developmental disabilities into community-living and managed care plans are discussed.