Should I tell my nursing school about my disorder?

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Hi, I am currently in nursing school with two semesters left (not counting the one I am currently in). I have been diagnosed with Narcolepsy about 4 years ago (before I even started nursing school). I have noticed that due to my disorder, I have been late to clinicals a couple of times (because it is so early and I have such a difficult time waking up). I set my alarm 2 hours before I even have to leave. Yes, I have medication to perk me back up when I am feeling really sleepy. This disorder is also covered by the ADA (American Disabilities Act). The other day, during the post-conference at clinical, I was resting my head against the headrest of the chair, still listening and rocking the chair back and forth, but closing my eyes because I was way sleepy. I noticed the clinical instructor making a point to watch me rest my eyes. I noticed it when I would open them up every couple of seconds. I wasn't falling asleep, but had a strong desire to just shut my eyes. So, after that, I am wondering if I should let my school know that I have this disorder. At first, I was worried that they may inhibit me from doing certain things, but since I have been at their school for almost 2 years, they would be able to look back at my track record and see that I've been doing extremely well, including my grades. So, should I tell my school about my disorder?

Thank you all!

Specializes in Ante-Intra-Postpartum, Post Gyne.
There is now an entrance physical requirement for nursing school?????:eek::eek::eek::eek:

Yup. Simple really. Want to see that you get your immunizations and that you can lift and move and use proper body mechanic; just like when I got hired for my first nursing job. If you have some medical issue that prevents you from lifting patients for example, then you could be denied. I think they only required to be able to lift and carry 20 lbs.

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We only needed vaccinations, no physical exam or drug test.

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Specializes in ICU-my whole life!!.
Yup. Simple really. Want to see that you get your immunizations and that you can lift and move and use proper body mechanic; just like when I got hired for my first nursing job. If you have some medical issue that prevents you from lifting patients for example, then you could be denied. I think they only required to be able to lift and carry 20 lbs.

So what happens if a student gets a stroke and ends up with a mild disability? I swear, nursing sure its their young even before they get their training. I can understand the immunizations but for me to show the school that I can bend over or pick up 20-50 lbs is beyond the words that I can't say in here or I would be banned. My physical exam for getting into the military was not even that nutz!

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Specializes in ICU-my whole life!!.
My school also requires a drug test. I know other schools that require a background test....

This one can be eliminated by telling the applicant that if they have a record, go study some other field. I know of one case where a student graduated and when the application was denied by the state board, this student was upsept at the school for not advising them that if they had a record, to study something else.

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OP: I would speak to someone in your school's disability office. They have to have someone who is in charge of arranging accommodations for students with a disability (ADA requirement). The disability office staff are not allowed to share what your disability is, they can only share what your accommodations are.

In my opinion, not disclosing opens you up to being considered lazy. Which isn't unfair, if you're looking at the behaviors and don't know the medical reason why, it looks like laziness.

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Specializes in Palliative & Surgical.

I am sorry to hear about your condition. But I think it's important for you to ask yourself if this condition of yours will compromise patient's safety?

Because I personally think, the bigger issue here is not about accommodating to your situation. You can keep it to yourself as long as it don't affect you while you're administering medications and causing errors while on duty because you're sleepy in daytime. You need to be focus & alert at all times.

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Specializes in Renal; NICU.

I am not up on this subject very much, but I know some nurses who don't have this disorder and are dangerous, day shift and nights.

You mentioned hoping for a night shift, but how does that help you? I, too, do much better working nights but does that mean you can stay awake/alert much better then?

Also, if you are not able to get through clinicals or classes, seems it won't be long before it will start to hinder your progress. Please see your MD and try to fine-tune your treatment. It sounds as though you really have a struggle, and I feel for you.:redpinkhe

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Specializes in Pediatrics.

FOr those of you who feel the OP should not reveal her condition: What would you advise her to do if she is counseled/reprimanded on her inability to stay awake? What if her instructor feels it is a pattern? How does it look when the student only reveals it after the need arises? To me, it may look like you wanted to hide this, or now that there is an issue, you are coming up wih something. It's kind of like a student revealing they have a learning disability after they have failed a course (I swear, I've seen that).

As far as physical exams as a prerequisite to nursing school, yes it does exist. The school needs to know (just like any employer needs to know) if there are any restrictions that may interfere with your ability to function just as any other nurse would. This does not mean that if you reveal something, that you will not be accepted. This is 2010, and most schools and employers are hip to the fact that you can't just deny soemone a position because of a disability, whether it be physical, psychological or otherwise. However, I know of a school (that obviously did not screen or interview) that admitted a blind student. i'm sorry, but a nurse cannot be blind. I don't care what anyone says. There are just some things that are beyond the reach of some people.

And the drug test is to to screen you for drugs... another thing that they can and will do. And if the school doesn't require it, many clinical sites do.

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Specializes in Pediatrics.

duplicate post

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My school doesn't require a physical, but we have to sign something saying we can lift 20 pounds, etc. Basically, I think it's that we can perform the requirements with "reasonable accomodations" (sorry, I don't know what exactly qualifies as "reasonable")

We also had a background check and a drug test.

Sorry, I didn't realize this thread is years old and I can't figure out how to delete my post!

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Specializes in Pediatrics.
Sorry, I didn't realize this thread is years old and I can't figure out how to delete my post!

No its not. I just checked back, Nov 2010.

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