Any nurses or nursing students out there who have cerebral palsy?

Published

I am a pre-nursing student that is getting ready to apply to nursing school next year and I happen to have a mild form of CP that affects my lower extremities.

I would like to know:

**What are your experiences as a nurse or nursing student with cp; in clinicals, in the workplace; how do/did you deal with your physical limitations on the job and in clinicals; how did you go about disclosing information about the cp in the interview process in school and on the job and getting accomodations (if needed and what type); how was the process of getting a job and what type of specialties have you guys worked in or are working in? Do you work part-time or full -time? Do/Did any of you work while in nursing school, have any previous health care experience? How was that experience?

Also if you guys have any suggestions that has helped you guys in your nursing journey that could help me in school and on the job or just in general, that would be greatly appreciated!!

Thanks guys!!

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Anyone?

Any nurses or anybody out there who know nurses with cerebral palsy? Either as a relative, friend or colleague?

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Hello, unfortunately I won't be qualified enough to answer those questions nor do I know any nurses with CP but I do know that you need to get a physical done once accepted. Also, don't be afraid to seek out help at the disability student services at your college. I'm sure they can help some.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Thanks CrazyCoconut for your input!

I have sought out help from disabilities services; my counselor has suggested that I look into a different career because of the physicality of the job which I understand because it makes me a liability and I know that many employers would put off hiring/training/accommodating/working with me when job searching, so I know it's going to be difficult and it will take some time but I also know that there are ways to work with my condition and know that I'm not the first and won't be the last in this situation pertaining to the medical field. I'm just going to keep going. And I'm looking into specialties that aren't relatively too physical so that I wouldn't be putting myself my patients in danger. And also am using AllNurses to get suggestions and opinions from people so that can get a better idea of what I'll be faced with and they have been a great help!!

Nursing School will also have its challenges as there will not be any modifications which is understandable since they want to make sure that a person can do the job; but I know I'll be able to work with it as I've done so with my condition my whole life in order to get things done and this is what I want to do.

Thanks again CrazyCoconut I appreciate it!!

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in ICU.

You are going to have huge limitations with it affecting your lower extremities. Have you spoken to your doctor? Get his opinion on this? I had some major health issues a few years ago but was thankfully able to recover. When I started thinking about nursing school, I went to him to see what he thinks about it and he gave me the go ahead. You are going to have to take a physical before entering nursing school. There are lots of questions about mobility and how much you can lift. He is going to have to sign off on all of that. So my advice is to speak to your physician and get his point of view.

1
Up Vote Up Vote ×

Thank you for coming out and saying this! I have cerebral palsy too and it is so good to hear I am not alone on my nursing goals. My condition affects all my limbs and my learning abilities.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

**What are your experiences as a nurse or nursing student with cp; in clinicals, in the workplace; how do/did you deal with your physical limitations on the job and in clinicals; how did you go about disclosing information about the cp in the interview process in school and on the job and getting accommodations (if needed and what type); how was the process of getting a job and what type of specialties have you guys worked in or are working in? Do you work part-time or full -time? Do/Did any of you work while in nursing school, have any previous health care experience? How was that experience?

I am currently an LVN. I did work in a SNF for a while, it was harder for me because I was always slower than other nurses. But the point is, I did it. I am currently in home health though. I did not inform my employers of my condition, mostly because I do not like to be singled out or thought of less. Plus I am a private person, I do not like others to know.

1
Up Vote Up Vote ×

I have mild cerebral palsy that affects my right side. It is not noticeable unless I told you but as a psych nursing student I do feel anxious at times performing certain procedures due to the dexterity issue. That being said, however, I am successfully completing my clinicals and I will often share my concern with my instructors. They have always been supportive and understand I might look a bit awkward carrying out a procedure. You will find a way to make things work for you and don't let this deter you from nursing school, you can do it!!!

2
Up Vote Up Vote ×

Hello Im hoping anyone in this group is still around. I too have mild cerebral palsy that affects my right side with right hand dexterity concerns. I've always wanted to be a nurse and finally after 20 years in workforce Im going back to hopefully achieve my goal. If there is anything any of yoy could offer someone who is taking pre-reqs and hoping to get into the program I would greatly appreciate it. Hearing all of your stories gives me so much hope I could possibly achieve my goal and finally become a registered nurse. 

1
Up Vote Up Vote ×

I would continue with the pre reqs. Most teachers are understanding and you may just have to do things slightly differently compared to other nurses. That being said, I’m a registered psychiatric nurse instead so I do avoid some of the more medical duties that are required from an RN. However, if you are confident in yourself and really want to do this than you should go for it! 

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Thank you responded. Any encouragement and insight helps tremendously. Im going to go for it! I've always wanted to be a nurse since I was 10 years old. Unfortunately they didn't offer much for people with disabilities when I attended HS so I did whatever I could to stauly near the hospital setting, mainly medical case management but always wanted to go back to college get a nursing degree. I hope I have a similar support system in California and so glad to hear of people like me getting through it.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
+ Join the Discussion