Disability disclosure

Nursing Students CNA/MA

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Hi all— I’m filling out my medical history form for my program, and it’s asking a bunch of questions that I’m not sure are going to disqualify me. I have fibromyalgia, but I wouldn’t be doing this if I thought it would interfere. Physical activity, done right and with the proper mental focus, tends to help. My GP agrees and is confident I can do it. Is there a chance I won’t be accepted? It also asks about strength/motor skills as evaluated by a physician, and it says if they check off “no” that they should suggest accommodations... while this implies that it’s still possible, I’m doubtful about it.

This is my precursor to a nursing degree. I’m worried this will affect applications as well. Suggestions? What have you done?

I think I would be honest, so that any needed and possible accommodations could be arranged. And if accommodations were not reasonable or possible, I'd want to find out before I spent my time and money on the course.

The questionnaires and physicals will continue through school and when applying for work. The last one I had was intense. I had to walk up and down a small staircase for three minutes, push and pull a heavy pallet-like thing around the room, carry a big heavy box around in circles, etc. They even measured the strength of my grip, hearing, eyesight, etc. I felt like I was joining the military.

What do you mean by physical activity "done right"?

By done right I with proper posture, warming up in the morning, etc.

I ended up switching (presuming my university opens >.<) to a CMA program, which involves more of what I want to do overall. And reportedly and by observing a lot of job postings, particularly for small practices) less lifting.

Do you mean questionnaires will continue through CNA work or all nursing?

5 minutes ago, Lirael42 said:

By done right I with proper posture, warming up in the morning, etc.

I ended up switching (presuming my university opens >.<) to a CMA program, which involves more of what I want to do overall. And reportedly and by observing a lot of job postings, particularly for small practices) less lifting.

Do you mean questionnaires will continue through CNA work or all nursing?

I mean CNA work and nursing work. I have only worked an as RN (in healthcare), and that's what my last pysical was for.

I assumed you were doing a CNA program since you described it as "my precursor to a nursing degree". MA is likely to be less physically strenuous, but is not part of the nursing hierarchy.

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I mean CNA work and nursing work. I have only worked an as RN (in healthcare), and that's what my last pysical was for.

I assumed you were doing a CNA program since you described it as "my precursor to a nursing degree"

Yes, I was referring to the CNA program I was signed up for when I posted. I have since switched to a CMA program. Sorry for the confusion!

Thanks for the info about the physical, that's really good to know. In your experience, have you seen medical assistant certifications lead to becoming RNs even though it isn't part of the hierarchy?

52 minutes ago, Lirael42 said:

Yes, I was referring to the CNA program I was signed up for when I posted. I have since switched to a CMA program. Sorry for the confusion!

Thanks for the info about the physical, that's really good to know. In your experience, have you seen medical assistant certifications lead to becoming RNs even though it isn't part of the hierarchy?

I've seen MAs go to nursing school, but they're starting from scratch when they do. It doesn't make much sense to become an MA if your ultimate goal is to become a nurse.

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