Student With An Unusual Question

[Kyriaka]

I found this board not long ago and really respect the people here. I have a somewhat unusual situation and thought this would be the best place to ask.

I am working on my pre-req's for my BSN. I am a very good student. My GPA is 103% (it is very unusual for me to make lower than a 99%). I am no super genius but I am a study hound and have always loved school.

I will be starting clinicals in about 3 semesters. I have not picked a program yet but there are 3 local schools.

I have Lyme Disease and Babesiosis. I take my meds when I need them and get plenty of rest so it really is not an issue.

My goal is to work critial care burns. I am a former burn patient. I am burned 60% of my body. 1st, 2nd, & 3rd. I caught on fire trying to rescue my children (7 & 4). However, I was the only survivor. Since this was 10 years ago mentally I have had some time to adjust (although I dont think you ever get over this). I am unable to have any more children. I am 37.

This is not something I readily discuss with others. However, there is part of clinicals that is scaring me...

I know that when you do clinicals you do rounds in differant areas. Part of this being OB/GYN & Pediatrics. I know that it is important to do some time in all fields even though I know what area of nursing I wish to go into.

I have never asked for special treatment in regards to my Lyme and hesitate to ask for it in this area...but doing a round in OB/GYN and/or Pediatrics is going to be very very difficult for me. I know I can make it if I have to. But if my time could be limited in hours and/or traded for another type of rounds (like in the local burn center--I know I can get the Director of the Burn Center to agree) is that possible??

Have you ever had a student with this type of problem?

I am in no way a wimp but I do feel a strong urge to let my teacher know of this issue.

Any advise would be most helpful,

Kara

[purplemania, BSN, RN]

Most schools are obligated by state Nurse Practice Act to require specific hours in curriculum on certain topics, like pedi. You may not be able to get out of doing it, but I would talk to the Dean to get his/her opinion. Also, it may not be as hard as you think, since students are not allowed to do as much for pedi patients as for adult patients. Too much liability there, and parents don't like students caring for their child. I was a burn victim and HATE to care for burn patients, but I have and will. I applaud your goals!

[renerian, BSN, RN]

Kara I just noted your post. How did you make out?

renerian

[renerian, BSN, RN]

Kara I just noted your post. How did you make out?

renerian

[elkpark]

Purplemania is right -- schools are obligated to provide certain numbers of hours in certain basic clinical areas to be accredited. Your degree from your school and your RN license mean that you are prepared to function (at an entry level) in all general/basic areas of nursing. Although your program may offer some "elective" specialty clinical areas, you will have to rotate through all the standard areas, including OB and peds.

Also, many people begin nursing school quite sure that they know what specialty area they most want to work in, but, by the time they finish and have been exposed to many different clinical areas, they have completely changed their minds ...

Best wishes. :)

[elkpark]

Purplemania is right -- schools are obligated to provide certain numbers of hours in certain basic clinical areas to be accredited. Your degree from your school and your RN license mean that you are prepared to function (at an entry level) in all general/basic areas of nursing. Although your program may offer some "elective" specialty clinical areas, you will have to rotate through all the standard areas, including OB and peds.

Also, many people begin nursing school quite sure that they know what specialty area they most want to work in, but, by the time they finish and have been exposed to many different clinical areas, they have completely changed their minds ...

Best wishes. :)