Medical-Surgical Nurses' Attitude and Emotions Toward Caring for Adults with Intellectual Disabilities

Kleier, Jo Ann
Johnson, Vanessa
Rhagnanan-Kramer, Violet

Jo Ann Kleier, PhD, EdD, APRN, ACNP-BC, is Executive Associate Dean and Professor, Ron & Kathy Assaf College of Nursing, Nova Southeastern University, Ft. Lauderdale, FL.
Vanessa Johnson, PhD, MS, RN, is Research Specialist and Associate Professor, Department of Occupational Therapy, Dr. Pallavi Patel College of Health Care Sciences, Nova Southeastern University, Ft. Lauderdale, FL.
Violet Rhagnanan-Kramer, PhD(c), MSN, RN, NE-BC, is Doctoral Candidate, Ron & Kathy Assaf College of Nursing, Nova Southeastern University, Ft. Lauderdale, FL.

Acknowledgment: This study was supported by a grant from Nova Southeastern University's Health Professions Division.

MEDSURG Nursing 30(5):p 326-333, September-October 2021.

Individuals with developmental disorders and related intellectual disabilities are living well into adulthood. Nurses in this study reported a low attitude toward providing care for these patients. Nurses need a better understanding of these adults' needs to improve their experience as patients in a complex healthcare environment. Those at the forefront of providing health care must have positive attitudes toward this responsibility.