Hello all, my name is Will. I am 30 years old, married, and just accepted into a ADN program which is to start in August. I guess I can call myself unique. Yes I am a male, which is not a big surprise, but I am also an amputee. I am an above-the knee amputee. When I was 12 years old I was diagnosed with osteo- sarcoma of the right tibia. I lost my leg in 2000 due to a staph infection from a revision of my allograft. I am much better now in my opinion. I was accepted with no problems in the ADN program. Of course now I am nervous. Being in nursing school is difficult enough, and an amputee also should be challenging. I am already a CNA,and a EMT-B. Both were achieved after being amputated. I guess I am just nervous. I am not going to give up, not now or ever. I know I can be a darn good nurse,and I will be an assesst. There will be patients and other nurses who may feel I should not be a nurse. I have even been questioned by my best friends' mother who is a nurse. Asking me wouldn't I feel better being a computer tech or something?? What kind of compassion is that? I am going into nursing to help others like the great nurses who helped me. I know standing is part of it,but I can do that just fine,and I mobilize very well. There are many people who don't even notice my slight limp. My leg sometimes has a mind of its own at times, but very rarely.I keep in shape,and workout by weightlifting and competing n powerlifting competitions. I bench press well over 395 lbs,and I can deadlift 250lbs all on my prosthesis. So I ask you all my fellow nursing students. What are your opinions on my situation??? The good and bad will be appreciated. I am not looking for approval or a shoulder to cry on. Just wanted to ask what others may be to shy to address. I guess that is my stubborn self coming out. But this does seem like a great site,and I will be posting a heck of alot while I go through nursing school.
