Dr refuse to sign accommodations for NCLEX.

Nurses Disabilities

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Hi guys,

I have a learning disability in regards to chronic insomnia secondary to an airway syndrome I won't mention on here. I have no insurance to fix the problem. I recently came back from the Dr's and the Dr said he did not want to sign the accommodations form for fear that it would affect me negatively in my career. All I want is extended time so I can concentrate on questions and think things through thoroughly. This is what my program gave me as well. However, the Dr's rationale is that if he were to sign everything on the accommodations form, this would affect my career in the long run because it will show that I am a "disabled" nurse. Keep in mind I am applying in TX, but on the TX application, I marked "No" for the mental disabilities that I do not have (i.e. antisocial, schizo, etc) because none of those applied to me and insomnia was not listed.

I would like the opinions of fellow nurses with disabilities. Is it true by vouching for accommodations, it would affect me when it comes to finding a job because I'm "disabled?" This came as a last minute shock for me. The Dr was extremely kind, but I'm not sure if I should be taking the NCLEX-RN w/o extended time.

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Wrong forum, can someone please move this to Disabled Nurses section. Thank you.

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Specializes in LTC, assisted living, med-surg, psych.

From what I've heard about nursing in Texas with any 'imperfections' at all, my first piece of advice to you would be to move.

I'm only half-kidding. It's a hard world out there, and you don't want to get labeled with the "disability" tag before you ever get out of the starting gate. If there's any way at all to get your NCLEX done without accommodations, it would be better if you can. I'm sure that doctor knew it too, and that's why he advised you as he did.

Wish I had some better advice for you. I've been an RN for sixteen years and am considered to have a disability because of a mental health diagnosis, and it's no picnic. Wishing you the best!

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Thank you, Viva. So it IS true that by having accommodations for NCLEX, you are labelled as a Nurse with Disability permanently? Geez. I thought even minor disabilities like my chronic insomnia wouldn't be such a big deal. I am sorry to hear that you have faced some challenges related to your disability. They say they don't discriminate against disability, but it seems like they do.

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Specializes in Critical Care, ED, Cath lab, CTPAC,Trauma.

moved to nurses with disabilities....I do not know about Texas but I would listen to your doctor who has probably been around the block. You are asking for special accommodations...while it is unlawful to discriminate.....I will tell you that discrimination occurs and is common. Personal experience

NCLEX is testing you on being a competent nurse and making critical decisions. Decisions that you might not have extra time to make...they might view this as an impairment to being a good/competent nurse. I would tread lightly.

I wish you the best. :)

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There's a big difference between how disabilities are handled by schools and by employers in the "real world." Schools are basically required by federal and state education laws to do whatever is necessary to help someone get through school successfully. Employers, however, are only legally required to make "reasonable" accommodations to employees' disabilities; the individual has to be able to basically do the job with minimal assistance/accommodation. Needing extra time to think through situations and decisions is not something that can always be accommodated in healthcare settings. I agree with the other suggestions to "tread lightly." Your physician probably knows more about this than you do.

Why not try the NCLEX without the accommodation and see how it goes? You can always take it again if needed, and push for the accommodation if you really feel it's necessary.

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Good points everyone. That Dr. was so kind and realistic, I know a good doctor when I see one. And you guys have been equally great and informative. Thank you.

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Specializes in LTC, assisted living, med-surg, psych.

Please keep us posted on how you do with the NCLEX. Hopefully soon we'll see you back here as CrazyCoconut, RN!!

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I don't think there is anything that would show a person got special accommodations on NCLEX, so there would be no labeling.

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Specializes in Pediatric Pulmonology and Allergy.

I know we all have different learning styles but spending too much time on a question can be just as bad as spending too little time. They give you six hours, and I know personally after 6 hours my concentration would be shot anyway. I'm not sure being given extra time would be as helpful as you think.

I echo the others to take the nclex and see how it goes.

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i have add plus adhd and i took the nclex with nada. I was out of there in 75 questions.

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i have add plus adhd and i took the nclex with nada. I was out of there in 75 questions.

That's awesome. All the more reason to take it with nada. I think I do bad with more time anyway. Tend to over analyze = not good.

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