Nurse using an electric scooter

Nurses Disabilities

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I have lymphedema in both legs. My legs hurt often causing me to use the scooter since 2012. Now I'm looking for a new job and starting school in October. I'm a little nervous. Ok a lot nervous I will not be accepted.

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Specializes in Critical Care, Float Pool Nursing.

Well if you plan on working a floor you may not be hired, because you wouldn't be able to turn people and ambulate people and it would result in a significant burden on your employer and would certainly exceed the "reasonable accommodation" they would have to provide you due to a disability. If you could be hired in a field that wasn't as labor intensive, such as case management, correctional, or addiction nursing, you may be fine.

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Specializes in Complex pedi to LTC/SA & now a manager.

Are you a nurse now or a prenursing student? Agreed your options will be limited based upon the "reasonable accommodations" test. (Same reason it's legal to not hire a legally blind candidate to work as a driver or airline pilot. They cannot safely perform the job). Desk jobs/case management jobs are usually reserved for experienced nurses. A floor nursing job would be a stretch as stated above. Home health/private duty, critical care and other jobs would not be feasible.

I'm not sure if you are not yet a nursing student how you will navigate clinical rotations as not all facilities are set up for motorized scooters (many are longer than wheelchairs and require a wider turning area) especially areas such as L&D, critical care and the OR. Can you stand/walk for any period of time? Can you be accommodated with frequent rest breaks?

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I am starting nursing school this fall and I had to have a document signed by my physician that I can stand, lift, have normal range of motion, in order to begin school. Unfortunately, just because we feel a calling to a particular career doesn't mean it is the best fit due to any number of reasons. Just like an earlier poster stated that you can't be an airline pilot if you're blind, a nurse has to begin her career with a certain level of physical abilities.

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Specializes in Clinical Research, Outpt Women's Health.

It is not so much not being accepted, as much as the fact that most of nursing is potentially very limited and fast paced, and so this will severely limit your opportunities.

I am very sorry you are having to deal with this. Lymphadema is awful to live with. I hope you find something you can make a living at and that will not be too taxing.

Are you a nurse now? If so I am sorry if I am telling you stuff you already know....

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