Could I become a nurse ?

[Albino904]

Hello my name is Courtney and I have albinism, I live in Jacksonville Florida and my vision is 20/200 and can't be corrected, I'm really interested in becoming an RN but I'm scared no one will hire me because of my sight I see things clearly I just have to look very very close when reading things is this a dream I should give up ? Or is it possible ?

[jodispamodi]

Anything is possible, with 20/200 vision (I assume corrected), it would be hard to get a position in some types of nursing, like where you would have tele, IV pumps, etc, but there are other types of nursing and possibly some adaptive equipment you could use

I would contact a few nursing schools and just ask outright. I think its possible, in certain types of nursing. Best of luck.

[Kitiger, RN]

One of the definitions for legally blind is 20/200 even with correction. My vision - when uncorrected - is 20/100 in one eye and 20/200 in the other eye (on a good day). This is mostly for astigmatism, so if I'm tired, my best uncorrected vision is 20/200. I cannot see well enough to work without my glasses. I don't think you will be able to do bedside nursing.

Will you be able to see clearly enough to notice that a person is using accessory muscles to breathe? Will you be able to see that the skin is retracting between the ribs when they breathe? Will you notice the changes in skin color? Will you be able to read the monitor above the bed? These are some of the things that I can't do without my glasses.

I suggest you talk to someone in admissions, or an advisor, someone who can help you look at your options. There may be some types of nursing careers that are not bedside nursing that you could do.