Before you precede to beat me like a pinata, let me share my story.
The nursing home that offers a CNA class I want to take, does not want me to take it. The DON is absolutely certain a deaf man cannot be a CNA, much less an RN. However, I held my ground, explaining the why's and the how's. I assured her of the support I have behind me, friends, family, professionals, and the state vocational rehab program. She went from smiles to anger to tears. She was not angry with me, but sympathetic to my story. I finally convinced her to allow me to shadow a CNA for a shift and have that CNA asses my abilities. She agreed. I won my chance to prove myself.
Specializes in M/S, MICU, CVICU, SICU, ER, Trauma, NICU.
Good luck.
Just FYI, although I would give you every chance in the world to prove yourself--there are people who will judge you by the very, very specific criteria of cna/nursing school and if you can't meet it--be prepared.
You have a lot to overcome, unfortunately, and I wish you well.
WAY TO GO!! I am a registered nurse, and had the privilege of working with a young lady who was deaf. She provided the most exemplary care, and was wonderful at reading lips, and the patients loved it, because it meant that she had to look them in the face, when others often forgot to!!! The little things mean so much! I face some challenges myself. I have Cerebral Palsy and Hereditary Spastic Paraparesis, and Chronic Fatigue Syndrome. I fall alot, and often injure myself quite badly when I do, but my employers have all been quite understanding, and they all applaud the fact that I would rather get out there and work as I am able than to let a couple of unintended contacts with the pavement stop me!! Kudos to you for challenging them and showing them what you've got! I would be proud to work with you anytime!!
I hope you are proud of yourself SilentPrayer.... now I have mascara all down my face too!*sniff*
You are a total inspiration to anyone challenged with less than 'perfect' senses and I truly hope you reach your goals. I had a lady with Marfan Syndrome in one of my classes. It was her 4th attempt to complete the course and I admired her so much for her tenacity.
good luck! you certainly have some hurdles to overcome but you'll do great and, because you can lip read and are fluent in sign language, you will be a valuable asset as a translator, once you are up and running.
SuesquatchRN, BSN, RN
10,263 Posts
Oh, well done!
Keep us informed. I'm interested in your story and progress. :)