Applying to LPN Program Fall '14- Have Disability

[HopefulStudent14]

Hello Everyone,

I just signed up for this site...I found this board by accident, but I am so glad that I did....it gives me hope that my dream IS possible!

I have a BS degree in psychology and have spent the last year working per diem front desk in a general pediatric office. I have ALWAYS wanted to be a nurse, but I have mild CP and thought this wasn't a possibility for me. I tried applying to an LPN program about 8 years ago, but it didn't work out, partly because of my disability, partly because of other circumstances that would have made it impossible for me to attend the program anyway.

So, after going to college for my bachelor's and pretty much writing this dream off, I decided to give it one more try. I just registered to take the entrance exam at a local tech center in March & can't wait. In terms of my disability, I walk with a limp and have some coordination difficulties, mainly on my left side. However, I can drive, write, cook, etc. If all goes well, my plan is to get through school (I'm seeking part time admission so it's two years- I think it will make things easier on me) and find a not-so physical nursing job; I wouldn't even think of working in an ER, and probably not even a hospital, due to the pace of things. Last year when I interviewed for my current job, it was with a nurse/office manager for the group, who was an LPN. I would like for something like that, or phone work for insurance companies, research, a small doctor's office, etc.

Does anyone else out there also have CP and have had success in nursing/school career? If so, I would love it if you could please share your experience! Any other opinions on my plans are also welcome!

Thank you :-)

[chanie911]

Although I don't have CP, I do have several serious medical issues and I very much relate to your story. I am in my second year of nursing school now--passed my LPN, and am going for the RN (which, 5 months ago....heck, 3 months ago, I didn't think I'd be able to do!). From my experience, I'd unfortunately have to say that I'd reccommend "downplaying" any limitations or accomodations until AFTER you get into school. Get in on your MERITS, then stay in with accommodations you need--that's what I did. (By accident, but still). Hopefully the school you go to will be more open-minded than mine has been, but everyone told me I wouldn't be able to do it, or SHOULDN'T do it (like you, I figure I'll get through school and work in a less-physically-demanding area, and I've said so from day 1, even though my heart has always been in NICU or peds--I know my body may not be able to take it)...once they accepted me, they legally have to make reasonable accommodations (obviously) and as long as I put in every effort to do what's expected and meet academic and clinical standards, I pass....I actually have done well. And I was very lucky last semester (when I was sicker than I'd ever been and almost had to drop out of school 6 weeks before LPN graduation) to have a clinical instructor who was incredibly encouraging and supportive and believed that it was possible for me--or anyone--to be a nurse even with medical challenges (she was always telling stories about co-workers with various health issues...after the semester ended I found out she had her own she was dealing with).

The physical demands that I personally have found challenging have mostly been in clinicals--the long hours of activity without breaks to sit/eat/drink and super-long days really did a number on me. Depending on your state's scope of practice, there may be some fine motor coordination skills involved--I don't know if that's something that you can "improve with practice" (I actually asked my cousin, who is an OT, for help with some of that because I found I had trouble from muscle weakness/"disuse" after several years of acute illness...I'm hoping it will help ME somewhat going forward!). Things like injections and fingersticks are easier--confidence is really the most important thing there, I've found--manipulating IV tubing and mixing meds can be a little more intricate (and some "procedures"....suctioning, catheters, sterile dressings...sterile anything!)....

Best of luck to you...I think if you want it badly enough, it can happen!!