Disabilities in nursing

[bearyspecial]

Need some advice. Educator with 15 years experience with a Practical Nurse program. Problem dealing with a student with a documented disability. And stuck in the middle. This day and age one must be aware of being sued, or save a life. Such an ethic area to be in. Makes it even worst when the student does just enough right to get by. What is one to do???? Are there any rules or guidelines in nursing when dealing with a nursing student with a documented disability?

[Heogog53]

Does your school have a risk management department? Or a legal department? I'd collect my data and go speak with someone affiliated with the school about ADA/EEOC issues. If no one there can/will help, then the next step is to find a disability lawyer and ask for a consult. Generally a consult is free. Or you can call the State Bar Association and ask for advice as to what to do next. You need to know to protect yourself from whatever dilemma you are in. You also need to know exactly how much can be legally and morally expected of the school in regards to the ADA.

Most importantly, make copies of everything, even if you decide to put everything on a separate disc or zip drive. I've dealt with a variety of legal and government agencies in the past. I used to make three copies of everything; this was before the computer age blossomed and everyone had a website. Keep careful anecdotal notes, record the date, time, people who were present, etc. If a telephonic discussion takes place, make sure you have everyone's name, and in the case of a governmental agency, get the ID number, as well as the rest of it. In order to defend yourself and your actions, in order to defend or censure your student with the disability, scrupulous records have to be the basis for whatever ensues. If other instructors or floor nurses present you with more information, once again, file it properly.

I hope this gives you some idea of where to try first as well as what your school is expected to do to honor the ADA.

Good luck. I know it can be a sticky wicket, as the cricket players say!

[VickyRN, MSN, DNP, RN]

After doing extensive research on the subject and drawing from my personal experiences as an educator, here is a blog I wrote on the subject: https://allnurses.com/nursing-blogs/students-with-disabilities-360262.html

Hope this is helpful :)

[bearyspecial]

Thanks for the information. Documentation is the key factor.

[noreenl]

Check with your state or municipal office for physically/mentally challenged affairs. they can let you know where to get further info and support for both yourself and your student and teaches that student how to advocate for themself. It's true most people know they have rights but they don't always know how to advocate for them the right way!!!