Student Nurse w/ Erb's Palsy

Nurses Disabilities

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I have performed very well throughout this semester in Fundamentals, academically.

My pre-clinical documentation and post-clinical documentation are always thorough and insightful.

However, I suffer from a very mild case of Erb's Palsy r/t Shoulder Dystocia @ birth. I am unable to fully pronate my left arm, and I have a tendency to jut my L elbow into the air when attempting to open items (I.E. coke bottle) I'm very well aware that I can look somewhat awkward when learning new motor skills, but throughout my life I have learned to do everyday things with both arms like cartwheeling, typing, writing, cooking etc.

With all of that being said, it can take me a tad bit longer to master skills than someone who has full ROM. For the last two clinical's I have been tasked with flushing IV line and hanging meds. Both times I have had to call in an RN to assist b/c I have had trouble with the twisting and simultaneous pushing motion needed to attach the flush. To make matters worse one of my good friends in class made a joke about how she didn't want me anywhere near her with my "bad arm" she was present in the room when I tried to flush the line. IN her defense there is no obvious signs of paralysis to the layperson, the awkwardness is something people usually don't pick up on until after they know me for awhile. I am now developing a major complex on this issue. I know that I will master the skill, but I am so worried that I won't be competent with it by the end of the semester (3 weeks) any advice?

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No replies as of yet? That has me even more worried!

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Sorry for the late reply, but could you try attaching the syringe/flush with your right hand and just stabilizing the IV hub with your left "bad" arm? If you are left handed it might feel weird at first, but will become second nature in time.

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Specializes in ICU.

Some of those Luer locks can be hard and require a lot of pressure to attach the syringe. I have trouble sometimes myself. My advice would be to take home a syringe and iv tail and practice at home. You can try different approaches with out feeling self conscious. I bet your NS lab would have everything you need. Best of luck!

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Thank You both! I appreciate your help. I think half of it is me psyching myself out!

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Followup incase anyone ever has the same issue:

It all worked out and I was able to start IVs, insert foleys & do lab draws.

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