What about being a nurse and having a problem with speech?

llg, PhD, RN · Jul 12, 2010

If his speech problem interferes with his ability to communicate with patients and colleagues, then it will cause problems for him -- and he might want to reconsider his choice of nursing as a career. If it is a mild impediment and it requires no special effort on the part of patients and colleagues to understand him, then it should be no problem.

He'll need to be able to communicate clearly with his patients and colleagues in a variety of circumstances (emergencies, during procedures, with people in pain, with people who are hard of hearing, etc.) in order to do patient care. Yes, there are some jobs in nursing that don't require a lot of verbal communication. However, those might not be available for him early in his career.

So, it really depends on the nature and severity of the speech impediment. Your description isn't very clear about that. In one place, you imply that if you don't know him well, he can be difficult to understand. But in another place, you say it's not so bad. So, I can't tell. Perhaps he should consult some experts in the field who can listen to him talk and give him some feedback based on how he sounds to them.

phlox · Jul 13, 2010

Your right. He will just have to do his best and see what happens. He is so smart, he will find his niche.

coladot · Jul 13, 2010

I think it would b a problem for the patients and in a emergency. It has to be clear and precise to execute the orders on his part. If he has to call out something like this med just given even with normal tone it's hard to hear. Maybe there is something else out there for him like medical records.research, or in a lab like microbiology. Best of luck to him

caliotter3 · Jul 14, 2010

I can see employers holding this against him. A worthwhile activity might be to put on his mental suit of armor and go on informational interviews at various places of employment and ask this question point blank, including questions about accommodations, etc. As long as he conveys that he is sincere, he should get some kind of an indication of where he might stand. He should make a special effort to read someone's body landguage at the same time, it may contradict what they are telling him. He can also talk to people in nursing schools to get their take on the matter.

morte, LPN, LVN · Jul 14, 2010

has he had speech therapy?

phlox · Jul 14, 2010

Speech therapy since childhood, it is not something that speech therapy can help as it is in the brain s/p meds given to his mom during pregnancy. He is trying to get into the service and have them pay for his education. He was turned down by one branch and is trying another. He is tenacious and a go-getter. He is taking online courses now.

Uttwo · Sep 21, 2016

I am a person with speech impediment who is considering nursing. The problem is that no body who works for nursing recruitment will hire him. All recruiters are assessed based on the quality of the recruits they hire and their career advancement depends on that. The only job options are either a security guard or a janitor ( both require after hours work while no body is around.) The best way to get first job out of the school is to make friends in HR class by taking HR courses as a minor as well as nursing. Do this throughout the degree program. The friends from HR class would be working in HR by the time this guy graduates. One of them might be able to pull some punches for him. For Canada if you have speech impediment. Do degree part time. The longer you are in school the more of a life can go by. The corporate world does not want you as it is not a charity. His personal barrier is an issue for profit maximization of hospitals. But still your friend can get a job is for some reason no body with a better speech applies for the job for years. Other wise HR professionals just wait better candidate then the one with speech impediment. Bottom line stay in school as much as you can, be self employed or work in complete isolation. Begging in the interview also works. If he is good looking he can try sleeping with any one with a HR credential. If all else fails there is always a spot for homeless some where. Bottom line be proud and be happy.

xXtjhcXx · May 22, 2018

Hi,

I had a massive stroke in my freshman in college. I had a stroke that left me with right sided weakness and speech impairment. I went into nursing after my stroke. The whole process wasn't easy (getting admitted to nursing school, finding jobs as a RN). Because I still had a limp when I walk and have somewhat slurred speech. I got rejected by many hospital, because the first thing you do is a phone interview. Not knowing me as a person, recruiters rejected me over the phone. I've been a RN for 5 years now, with 3 different rn positions and I've never was in a position where I was unemployed. I must say if you have the dedication, the doors will open for you. It won't be as easy as other nurses, and you will feel like giving up at times, but if you really want it, it'll work out some way or another!

Long Term Care Columnist / Guide · May 24, 2018

I am a person with speech impediment who is considering nursing. The problem is that no body who works for nursing recruitment will hire him. All recruiters are assessed based on the quality of the recruits they hire and their career advancement depends on that. The only job options are either a security guard or a janitor ( both require after hours work while no body is around.) The best way to get first job out of the school is to make friends in HR class by taking HR courses as a minor as well as nursing. Do this throughout the degree program. The friends from HR class would be working in HR by the time this guy graduates. One of them might be able to pull some punches for him. For Canada if you have speech impediment. Do degree part time. The longer you are in school the more of a life can go by. The corporate world does not want you as it is not a charity. His personal barrier is an issue for profit maximization of hospitals. But still your friend can get a job is for some reason no body with a better speech applies for the job for years. Other wise HR professionals just wait better candidate then the one with speech impediment. Bottom line stay in school as much as you can, be self employed or work in complete isolation. Begging in the interview also works. If he is good looking he can try sleeping with any one with a HR credential. If all else fails there is always a spot for homeless some where. Bottom line be proud and be happy.

You've got to be kidding...right?

Long Term Care Columnist / Guide · May 24, 2018

duplicate post