Deaf Student Nurses

I don't mean to be discouraging, but I do think it will be very difficult for someone who is entirely deaf to work as a clinical nurse. The reason being is that we use our ears frequently. We listen to and evaluate breath sounds, and bowel sounds. We need to be aware of slight changes in respiratory patterns. Our patients that can communicate will talk to us. I know there are many alternate commications out there, but I can not imagine a sick person in pain, being interested in trying to use something new. Many units use sound alarms to alert when something is going wrong- while a light can be used, you have to be looking at the light- not seeing the light could cause a delay in treatment for the problem, and cause problems for the patient.

I can imagine, however, that there would be many opportunities in research, or QA, or infection control which this student could be very successful.

While ears are needed for physical assessment, I can see where a psychiatric nurse in a largely populated area could counsel deaf patients. As an ADRN and Deaf Studies major, I see where this is needed. Many deaf clients do not want an interpreter, they want one on one with a counselor who signs and can communicate with them in a more private manner. This may be something to look into.

Originally posted by lauraclouser:

While ears are needed for physical assessment, I can see where a psychiatric nurse in a largely populated area could counsel deaf patients. As an ADRN and Deaf Studies major, I see where this is needed. Many deaf clients do not want an interpreter, they want one on one with a counselor who signs and can communicate with them in a more private manner. This may be something to look into.

How will the person be able to get through nursing school without hearing lung sounds, heart sounds, taking bp? I am deaf in my left ear and have been so all of my life. My right ear has compensated for the loss of my left, so I do not have problems assessing. I don't like to tell people that they can't do something, but I don't understand how this person will be able to pass basic nursing with no hearing.

I think as a deaf individual they need someone who they can talk to. Does your client have any oral speak skills? I work with a group of hearing impaired and deaf individuals at church and i know some just sign and some have deveopled oral skills.Most hosptials in my area have a list of certified interepters and some of the deaf will bring their own with them when they come to the hosptials. I believe in all honesty that this is truely a "Hearing" profession. I myself am hear of hearing I have the problem that if there is too much noise i can't hear it's a blur, so i don't work around monitors-it's a heredity thing -my dad had it. I have even checked into the new litmann stethoscope that has the diaphram that is super sensititive so that i can hear lung and bowel sounds better. I am learning sign and will some day communicate that way. The deaf communities could use some one in the community health area that can speak directly to them. Has your client thought about teaching? or counseling? or maybe working at a WIC or speciality clinic that the deaf come to? She would be a great help to both the hearing and the deaf or maybe a headstart program where she could work with deaf children? But i think as far as nursing she is really going to be disappointed.

found this site and thought it might help. i e-mailed it to you, but thought i'd post it also so people can see that anything can e done if you put your mind to it!!

http://www.angelfire.com/mo2/DN/

good luck to your student!! :)

i checked out this site it is wonderful!!!!! Thank you for sharing

Most probably don't know this, but there are quite a few Deaf individuals who are in the medical profession and doing very well. These range from EMTs, firefighters, Drs, Nurses etc ... Of course it's alittle more challenging, but still we've been able to do it. Plus there are different technologies out there which enable the Deaf to "hearing breath sounds" and so on.

I do realise that this post is an old issue on this board but just wanted to clarify things.

If anyone reads this.. we also have a website which may offer some assistance to any Deaf student interested in Nursing or other health professions.

http://www.amphl.org

Good luck!

CR Lee, MSN (Cardiac)

Being a nursing student who is deaf in one ear and partially in the other ear -- I have a special interest in your situation.

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As mentioned on other threads -- I use an electronic stethoscope to hear sounds.

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Fortunately, I hear well enough to hold a normal conversation, and can hear IV alarms, and understand the STAT overhead pages.

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Drawbacks...I cannot tell which direction the sound is comming from. Also, I had a hell of a hard time hearing in the OR when we did our "outside classroom experiences." The Surgeon asked me to answer his page -- and I had to step outside of the OR to understand the operator (phone). It's the background noise that kills me.

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I plan on looking into amplified hearing aids/etc once I get out of nursing school and get a real world job. Right now--just have ultra high deductible insurance (mainly for cancer/etc.) -- that won't even begin to look at hearing equipment/etc.

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Good luck.

John Coxey

Syracuse, NY.

I can't imagine that it would be impossible for a person who is deaf to find a place in the nursing field to work in.

Can't there be a special type of stethescope that turns sound into vibration that could be felt with the nurses fingers? That could work for breath sounds quite nicely (I'm just thinking). Does it have to be assessed through the ears?