Discrimination in nursing school?

elkpark · Sep 16, 2015

I know that SW are licensed, but I never knew they are considered "healthcare". If it is so, I would like to know how much of healthcare science they might know, because those I encountered were, in majority, unaware of basic facts, like that canned tomato soup and V8 juice cannot be qualified as a good way to "get her veggies" for a patient with pre-terminal heart failure.

Again, how are you defining "healthcare"? And what is "healthcare science"? (That's a term I've never heard before ...) Do social workers know what nurses know? No. And there's a ton of stuff that social workers know that nurses don't know. Social workers work in healthcare settings and are considered part of the "healthcare" team. Physical, occupational, and respiratory therapists also don't know everything that nurses know (and vice versa) but are considered healthcare providers. There's a lot more to "healthcare" than just nursing.

Here.I.Stand, BSN, RN · Sep 16, 2015

They would get into corridor and yell for help or push code button. In hospital or another medical facility the chance to be the only one around is rather theoretical.

With the BLS protocol emphasizing pretty much immediate chest compressions though, I really wouldn't want to be that nurse. Can you imagine having to explain in court why you didn't start compressions when you realized the pt was pulseless?

We've had people arrest in the skyway, in the halls, in the cafeteria--places that weren't crawling with staff. In SNFs too, an RN/LPN might be the only nurse on the floor with CNAs. I'd really hate to be that nurse who delegates compressions to the CNA. :no:

NurseGirl525, ASN, RN · Sep 17, 2015

You have to have your doctor sign off on a physical form that you are capable of performing the job of a nurse mentally and physically. You have to be able to lift. If he doesn't sign off on it, you can't go to school. You will have to have some bedside experience to be a case manager. Not all dreams can come true.

la_chica_suerte85, BSN, RN · Sep 17, 2015

My question is, is the medical restriction permanent or can it be worked around and/or ultimately resolved?

If not, then you aren't being discriminated against and it is what it is unfortunately. Unless you work at a facility that has a "no lift" policy (i.e. the VA), then you're going to have to figure out how to work around it yourself before expecting accommodation from a potential employer.

elkpark · Sep 17, 2015

My question is, is the medical restriction permanent or can it be worked around and/or ultimately resolved?
If not, then you aren't being discriminated against and it is what it is unfortunately. Unless you work at a facility that has a "no lift" policy (i.e. the VA), then you're going to have to figure out how to work around it yourself before expecting accommodation from a potential employer.

And even the facilities that have "no lift" policies and procedures regarding clients still require the nurses to lift other things ... I'm still trying to wrap my mind around the idea of applying for a nursing position and telling the employer that I can't lift more than 15 lbs, or can't do CPR.

FlyingScot, RN · Sep 17, 2015

They would get into corridor and yell for help or push code button. In hospital or another medical facility the chance to be the only one around is rather theoretical.

No it really isn't theoretical at all. Codes don't just happen in patient rooms.

bsyrn, ASN, RN · Sep 17, 2015

At the LPN program where I teach, the students have to have a physical completed and part of it states, able to fully preform all functions required with no restrictions.

JustBeachyNurse, LPN · Sep 17, 2015

In my school if a student became pregnant and was restricted from CPR or lifting they were medically excused from school and as long as they were in good academic standing could return with the next cohort once medically cleared. Not discrimination.

Is it discrimination to say a legally blind person cannot drive a school bus?

elkpark · Sep 17, 2015

Is it discrimination to say a legally blind person cannot drive a school bus?

Apparently, some people feel that it is. :)

Tenebrae, BSN, RN · Sep 17, 2015

They would get into corridor and yell for help or push code button. In hospital or another medical facility the chance to be the only one around is rather theoretical.

Not theoretical at all.

I work night shift in a large rest home. There are two RNS on at night. One in the rest home (myself) and one in the hospital.

Some of our health care assistants have basic CPR, some dont. However its fairly guaranteed that most nights only myself and the RN have that knowledge.

If someone codes in the middle of the night who is for resus, we dont have a resus team and I cant just call for help as the other RN is at the other end of a very large facilitiy. Sure, I can push the emergency button but that can be between 2-6 minutes before someone comes and in the interests of successful CPR, time is essential

Working in med surg, there are many more nurses around. They have a dedicated crash team however they will take time from the time they recieve the page to get to the place of arrest. They rely on ward nurses being able to start CPR

Your position is somewhat unrealistic, its really not that easy to just palm CPR off on someone else

FlyingScot, RN · Sep 18, 2015

I'm beginning to think the OP didn't get the responses she wanted as this appears to be another hit and run.

ShannonFitzgerald · Sep 18, 2015

Is it discrimination to say a legally blind person cannot drive a school bus?

Lol, that is exactly what my first thought is. As others have said, this isn't a case of discrimination at all, but it is a matter of being able to do the job. Most school applications and job applications lay out exactly what the requirements of the program/job are, and it is more than likely that the weight one must be able to lift was documented. The best route would likely be to either take a medical leave until you are cleared to be able to lift that amount, or talk to your doctor about the issue. Good luck!