Re: Problems you believe a deaf RN might run into

Originally Posted by acubed

Will you consider continuing your ed and get a NP? My kids NP has a hearing impairment, and we love her. She is super sweet. We were never told ahead of time, we were waiting in the doc's office and she came in. When she spoke, I knew right away, and just tried to remember to face her when speaking (hard when you're trying to calm down young kids). She had a listening device, I guess a hearing aid. When she left I was saying something, and she turned around to hear/see what I was saying. Also, what about a specialty hospital/clinic will be inspired by you to overcome their "obstacles". Hope that helps, hope all works out for u

Since I'd like to work with kids, I am looking into acute care pediatric NP programs. I'd like to assist in either neurology or otolayringology surgery because these specialties have a larger deaf population in their practices. I feel my understanding of Deaf culture, my fluency in American Sign Language, and my sensitivities to cultural respect will serve me well in these fields.

Above all, I want to be the one to make sure the pediatric patient is comfortable and understanding what they are going through. Something I wish I had more of in my own childhood.

Re: Problems you believe a deaf RN might run into

Originally Posted by Inspired By Silence

Since I'd like to work with kids, I am looking into acute care pediatric NP programs. I'd like to assist in either neurology or otolayringology surgery because these specialties have a larger deaf population in their practices. I feel my understanding of Deaf culture, my fluency in American Sign Language, and my sensitivities to cultural respect will serve me well in these fields.

Above all, I want to be the one to make sure the pediatric patient is comfortable and understanding what they are going through. Something I wish I had more of in my own childhood.

that is awesome - you will have an understanding with that population, clearly an advantage! You seem to have a clear vision. Wonderful!

Re: Problems you believe a deaf RN might run into

Originally Posted by MassED

that is awesome - you will have an understanding with that population, clearly an advantage! You seem to have a clear vision. Wonderful!

You encouragement means a lot to me. Thank you.

Re: Problems you believe a deaf RN might run into

It's terrific that you are getting into a career path that many in your situation may shy away from. The problems you may face are going to be dictated by you. there are certain places that will be more difficult - the OR will be difficult - as will most areas where mask usage is constant. But, as you pointed out - there are deaf nurses that have done it. I have never seen or heard of a clear mask -i'd imagine they don't circulate air well if they do exist. I understand what you say about learning protocols, but there will be times that the situation won't fit the protocol exactly - life is rarely as black and white as our textbooks make it out to be. Hearing alarms and such also comes to mind, but it appears that you have considered that. Good luck -I am sure you will go far.

Re: Problems you believe a deaf RN might run into

After my sister's C-section we found out the the on-call doctor that performed the surgery and that was managing her labor was deaf/severely hearing impaired. Her L&D nurse was a traveler who was obviously not familiar with this physician and we noticed some major communication problems between them leading up to the C-section. I was always curious as to how he communicated with the other staff in the OR since he wouldn't be able to read lips with masks on. I've had a little experience scrubbing in the OR and I can say for sure that verbal communication is very important especially while you are learning or if something unexpected happens. Anyone who's worked around Surgeons knows that they are not always the most pleasant or patient people out there.... However I can imagine there is niche out there for you if you are determined.

Re: Problems you believe a deaf RN might run into

Well I have been an OR nurse for many years with profound deafness and I have not had any problems with surgeons or co-workers. I say congrats to the nurse who has a hearing limitation who wants to work in the OR. There are prototypes of clear face masks being tested right now and this isnt just for hearing loss, it's for the benefit of the patients...I hope to see more places using them in the very near future.

Originally Posted by llg

How do you plan to handle emergency verbal communication in the OR (where everyone will be wearing masks)? How will you know what the surgeon (and others) are saying?

That is my #1 question. I have a slight hearing impairment myself -- and have some friends who are nurses who have developed significant impairments. That is what they say is the biggest problem that has forced them to retire or to at least move out of bedside nursing. When things go wrong, they can't hear/understand the emergency communication -- which makes it impossible for them to work in any area in which patient care emergencies are likely to occur. They have needed jobs where the situations are not emergencies, allow lip-reading, etc.

I would be interested in knowing how you plan to overcome that problem -- of understanding your colleagues in the OR in an emergency. Many have been able to handle routine, non-emergent communication --- but have struggled in emergencies.