Become a nurse with OPWDD
As a nurse with OPWDD, you will care for people with intellectual and/or developmental disabilities, such as Down syndrome and Cerebral palsy. Below is a sampling of positions available to nurses within the agency.
Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN)
As a licensed practical nurse (LPN) at OPWDD you would be involved in the treatment of people with developmental disabilities under the supervision of a registered nurse (RN). You would administer medications and injections; perform tube feedings; hang IVs; collect blood samples, if certified for venipuncture; provide colostomy care; observe patients and report changes in their condition; take and record temperature, pulse, respiration and blood pressure; obtain specimens for analysis and perform other medical procedures as ordered by a physician. You would prepare and apply simple dressings; bathe and feed; and care for people and their homes by performing such tasks as making beds, changing linen, lifting and moving people and caring for their personal effects.
Registered Nurse 1
As a Registered Nurse 1, you would, under the general direction of a higher-level registered nurse or licensed health care provider, independently provide direct nursing care to individuals in accordance with Article 139 of the Education Law; supervise nursing care activities; and provide clinical supervision and training to Graduate Nurses, Licensed Practical Nurses, and direct care staff.
Registered Nurse 2 Community
As a Registered Nurse 2 (Community), you would directly provide, oversee, and coordinate nursing and health related care services for a caseload of individuals in a community setting, such as a Family Care Program, Mobile Integration Team, and outpatient clinic; perform clinical case management activities; serve as a member of an interdisciplinary treatment team; and provide nursing-specific clinical, consultative, and instructional assistance to individuals and their families, other disciplines, and health care providers.
Nurse Practitioner
As a Nurse Practitioner, you would provide primary health care working in collaboration with a licensed physician or physicians. You would assess the physical and psychosocial status of people by means of interview, health history, physical examination and diagnostic tests. Your work may include the diagnosis of illness and physical conditions and the performance of therapeutic and corrective measures.
Professional Development & Training Opportunities for Nurses
As a nurse with OPWDD you will have several professional development opportunities to take advantage of:
- Workplace Skills and Professional Development Courses offer opportunities for training and development through programs on such topics as State policy, supervision and management development and workplace skills.
- The Public Service Workshops Program (PSWP) is designed to meet employees' professional development needs, maintain and increase their professional competencies, and enhance preparation for promotional opportunities. The program offers training via classroom or online courses on workplace skills and topics specific to nursing.
Nursing Career Opportunities with OPWDD
Search for Nursing positions available at OPWDD.
New York State strives to offer salaries competitive with the job market. Your salary as a nurse is based on your education, experience and where you will work. This may include enhancements based on the job market and geographic region.
Evening and night shift positions may be eligible for shift pay. For detailed information about salaries for each position, please reference the job posting.