Applying to LPN Program Fall '14- Have Disability

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!!