Ep 82: A Lifetime in IDD Nursing: Sharon Parker Love on Crisis Prevention & Quality Care

In this episode of IDD Health Matters, Dr. Craig Escudé welcomes Sharon Parker Love, a nurse with 56 years of experience, to discuss her journey in the field of intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) nursing. Recorded at the Illinois Developmental Disabilities Nurses Association Conference, Sharon shares her remarkable career—from starting with a state grant program to dedicating over three decades to Trinity Services, where she has helped individuals with dual diagnoses and complex medical needs. Sharon dives into her work in crisis prevention, recounting heartbreaking and inspiring stories of individuals in need, including an individual who spent eight months in an emergency room before receiving proper care. She emphasizes the importance of observation skills, direct care staff training, and a detective-like approach to uncovering hidden medical conditions that often manifest as behavioral challenges. Tune in for invaluable insights into the evolving role of nurses in IDD care and the crucial need for more professionals in this field.