Nurses with disabilities

Nurses Disabilities

Published

I am curious as to how many of the members of this bb are nurses or nursing students with disabilities. By disabilities, I am including congenital problems, injury-related problems, or work-related injuries that have resulted in that person's inability to perform regular nursing tasks without accomodation or the inability to perform bedside nursing at all.

I am a 25 year veteran of healthcare, 20 of which have been as a RN. I sustained an initial back injury at age 18 while working my first job as a nurses' aide and now have severe thoracic and lumbo-sacral stenosis, disc herniation and degenerative disc disease/arthritis. I have been through PT and surgery is not currently an option due to the rehabilitation time and the fact that I carry all of our health benefits and cannot afford COBRA for that period of time at present. I have worked staff as well as management positions, but chose to return to staff nursing about 1-1/2 years ago in an effort to refresh my skills. Unfortunately, my back isn't able to handle it--even in an ICU setting where there is a smaller patient load. Now it's a question of finding a position that I am able to do and that I am not "overqualified" for. Believe it or not, even in this nursing shortage, it's tough to find a physically lighter position! I am fearful of revealing anything about my physical limitations to a potential employer, although a pre-employment physical exam as well as how poorly I am able to move some days would definitely show how advanced this problem is. I have contemplated applying for SSI disability, but I don't think I meet the criteria as it relates to my ability to learn a new job or to find something less physical in my current area of expertise. I have been forced to resign from 2 positions within the past year due to my back and am now having a really tough time finding something. It's humiliating as well as depressing.....

Have any of you ever faced these challenges? How did you handle them? What did you finally end up doing in order to obtain gainful employment?

Thanks for any input or advice any of you may have. :)

Suzanne

Just as an aside, One of our ENT doctors where I work is deaf. He wears hearing aides. He also always wears a button on his labcoat that says, "I'm not deaf, I'm just ignoring you!"

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Hi,

I'm 34 & had my aprox, 6-7-8th hip surgery (Procedures too) in 2001. In 2001 it was totally replaced...childhood birth defect or something they really aren't sure...evryone it soooo totally different for recovery...did you have your doctor RX a note for light duty? It's a try...I can't imagine a hospital giving you a hard time concidering your case.Afterall, they can't be pred.on an employee w/a disability...sometimes the way you word things to them will be enough for them to BACK-OFF.Where are you from?

Up Vote Up Vote ×

I have a question related to this topic about a class mate of mine. She is 57,

walks with the use of a cane, and cannot stand-up for longer than 10 minutes. My concern is that she could complete the program, but what is going to happen when she begins to apply for nursing positions? I know about the disabilities act, but will she even be given a chance to interview if her disability is very evident? What positions will she be qualified to fill in the healthcare field with her ADN other than a floor nurse?

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Well I just recently found out that I have Narcolepsy.... I was feeling tired all the time, but chalked it up to being a new nurse working night shift... Dr. said nope definatley Narcolepsy and he ordered me to get off of nights.. Which I happily did... But my Unit Manager, thinks its funny to make me work several night shifts during the schedule.. She just doesn't understand how it physically affects me, nor does she care... They do make medication for it, but I am trying to get pregnant, so we are doing the day shift, having a set sleep schedule kinda thing...

I also have chronic migraines, which Thank god for FMLA!!

Up Vote Up Vote ×
I have a question related to this topic about a class mate of mine. She is 57,

walks with the use of a cane, and cannot stand-up for longer than 10 minutes. My concern is that she could complete the program, but what is going to happen when she begins to apply for nursing positions? I know about the disabilities act, but will she even be given a chance to interview if her disability is very evident? What positions will she be qualified to fill in the healthcare field with her ADN other than a floor nurse?

I can only say from personal exp.that we have great days...then not so good,but hopefully she will do well.Other than hospital nursing she can try vna or ins companies.They offer employment to rn's (lpn's too) for insurance involvment doing many area even disability claims...these would not be as physically challanging.But, she might surprise you all.....if she wants this BAD, than she will do her very best to go"unnoticed", I did.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Cardiac/Vascular & Healing Touch.

No way should she do that! You need an excuse not to do nights & use your FMLA is needed! Not funny nor is it safe for the client!!!

hang in there sweetie, & God speed on your conception! Suz :balloons:

Well I just recently found out that I have Narcolepsy.... I was feeling tired all the time, but chalked it up to being a new nurse working night shift... Dr. said nope definatley Narcolepsy and he ordered me to get off of nights.. Which I happily did... But my Unit Manager, thinks its funny to make me work several night shifts during the schedule.. She just doesn't understand how it physically affects me, nor does she care... They do make medication for it, but I am trying to get pregnant, so we are doing the day shift, having a set sleep schedule kinda thing...

I also have chronic migraines, which Thank god for FMLA!!

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in LTC, HOSPICE, HOME, PAIN MANAGEMENT, ETC.

HI all, I wanted to try to renew this thread with current updated info. I am having serious problems with disabilities, working, (or should I say "not working") and living. I have issues with chronic pain (for years) and now NARCOLEPSY. I have no insurance, no means of support (when I can't work...I've actually been homeless:-(.] I am desperately seeking information, support and help! I've been "narcoleptic" for years, but always blamed everything else! NO MD, THERAPIST, PSYCH,NP...NO ONE has ever picked up on this or suggested sleep disorders! AND it's treatable!! I have an rx for provigil, but no $$$ to fill it! Anyway, please respond if you can! THANKS in advance. The support and info on this board is outstanding, so I know help is out there. I have a strong faith, as well.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

First thing first, you need to go to your local department of human services and apply for Medicaid, temporary assistance and food stamps. Note that you have a emergency where they can approve your application for Medicaid and food stamps within a week. If you're approved for Medicaid, they will pay for your medical bills three months prior.

http://www.cms.hhs.gov/medicaid/

Secondly you need to call or visit the Social Security Administration to schedule an appointment for Social Security Disability Insurance benefits. That process will take six months however they can approve you for SSI while you wait. You'd would have to provide medical documents or they will request medical documents from your health care providers.

http://www.ssa.gov/applyfordisability/

Don't wait too long do it ASAP!

Up Vote Up Vote ×

I love that saying and it's true for me. I am too hearing impaired studying to be a nurse. There are two website that would be great resources for those who are hearing impaired and/or disabled that are considering going into nursing/medical field.

http://www.exceptionalnurse.com/

http://www.amphl.org/

He also always wears a button on his labcoat that says, "I'm not deaf, I'm just ignoring you!"

Up Vote Up Vote ×

I know this is not the same, but I suffer from severe dyslexia and I know other nurses must think I am crazy when I ask them to double check my meds for me, because I am very afraid of inverting numbers on dosages.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

I believe dyslexia is a true disability because you have to over compensate. I remember of a time when I had my first transplant and I was on the PED floor. I had a PED nurse with a disfigured face, she turned outto be a great nurse. She shared a story with me about how other nurses would think if she has disfigured face maybe she a little "slow" or "retarded." I have to admire her courage to put up with that kind of stimga and prove those nurses wrong. It is always important to educate your co-workers, bosses and friends about your disability. But never use disability as an exuse for being lazy! lol

Moi

I know this is not the same, but I suffer from severe dyslexia and I know other nurses must think I am crazy when I ask them to double check my meds for me, because I am very afraid of inverting numbers on dosages.
Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in LTC, HOSPICE, HOME, PAIN MANAGEMENT, ETC.

I checked out the site exceptional nurse and it looks awesome! Thank you! They even have local support here in Palm Beach County, FL. I really hope others respond to this post, but it is hard to find. If I hadn't been looking for it I never would have found it!! Once again, thank you so much!! Carol

Up Vote Up Vote ×
+ Add a Comment