The Arc of Opportunity would like to congratulate Amy Goguen for becoming a Certified Developmental Disabilities Nurse. Her journey into nursing is unique, touching, and provides a glimpse into Amy’s passion.
Amy, a native of North Central Massachusetts, earned her undergraduate degree in Psychology from Fitchburg State University and M.Ed. in Counseling Psychology from Springfield College. Amy, a lifelong learner, comes from a family of nurses. After her college, she decided to become a registered nurse, graduating from Mount Wachusett as an RN in 2007.
Amy is a single mom with two sons, Chris, 10, and Josh, 7. Chris is on the autism spectrum and Josh has Down Syndrome. Both receive endless love and opportunity from Amy and her network of supporters. Before joining The Arc, Amy worked with individuals diagnosed with Alzheimer's and other dementias. She developed a knack for communicating with those who were losing their ability to communicate or provided unique behavioral challenges.
Amy’s passion for supporting people with developmental and intellectual disabilities began with the birth of her sons. She has learned to become a champion at understanding their unique needs and advocating the best resources to support them.
This passion guided Amy to The Arc, becoming the Day-Hab Nurse in 2015. Her job is personal; her son will likely need day supports when he “turns 22” in 2034. Amy, along with the Day-Hab team, cares for the health and well-being of 74 individuals. Her favorite part of the job is being able to help people on a daily basis and change their lives for the better. Her ability to interact with individuals, family members, care providers, and members of the interdisciplinary team fosters a holistic approach to care provided.
However, a holistic approach can often be challenging to maintain. Amy must achieve the highest degree of communication possible to understand the unique medical needs of 74 individuals, the changes in their medications, and stay on top of relevant lab results. There is complexity when trying to understand why someone is suddenly more tired, refusing to use the bathroom, or having difficulty walking.
Understanding this complexity is why the Certified Developmental Disabilities Nurse certification was important to Amy. This certification demonstrates Amy’s dedication to the population The Arc supports and indicates a level of professionalism. The requirements of the certification include 4,000 hours working with individuals with IDD, membership in the DDNA (Developmental Disabilities Nurses Association), and passing a certification exam sponsored by the DDNA.
Amy is a champion for her children, individuals at The Arc, and herself. Her ability to support those around her 24/7 as a mother and nurse, paired with continuous personal growth provides quality care for the most vulnerable population of people in the Commonwealth. Congratulations Amy, we are cheering for you!