Nursing with a major disability

P_RN, ADN, RN · Jul 18, 2007

I'd be inclined to wait and see. She has made it this far on her own? I imagine she has some compensatory skills and will surprise you all.

Daytonite, BSN, RN · Jul 18, 2007

Why do you care? Worry about your performance in school. How the nursing school runs it's nursing program, makes and applies it's rules is their business.

CRNI-ICU20 · Jul 18, 2007

Have you ever heard of Professor Steven Hawking? He just happens to be one of the most intelligent minds on our planet right now....he is also severely disabled with cerebral palsy....

We shouldn't limit ourselves, nor should we limit others in our/their endeavors. Part of your learning in nursing school should be learning to embrace differences in the way a particular task is done....the spirit of learning isn't limited to just the able bodied.

Take the time to read about Mr. Hawking....he is an inspiration to the world....really.

Maybe your classmate will be one as well....and you as well, for encouraging her to reach for the stars.

crni

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Stephen_Hawking

SuesquatchRN, BSN, RN · Jul 18, 2007

Have you ever heard of Professor Steven Hawking? He just happens to be one of the most intelligent minds on our planet right now....he is also severely disabled with cerebral palsy....

Actually, it's ALS.

:)

But while Daytonite's phrasing was a little, uhm, direct, I do agree to forget about how she's going to make it and concentrate on yourself. Clearly she's capable of performing the physical aspects of the job or she would not have been cleared by her pre-admittance physical.

CRNI-ICU20 · Jul 18, 2007

I stand corrected....not cerebral palsey, but lou gerhig's disease....oppsey!!

leslie :-D · Jul 18, 2007

I don't want anyone thinking that I'm bashing...I'm not...I am just trying to get a better understanding of how this would work for her. I think it's great that she is able to do what she is with school.

i didn't think you were bashing.

i think it's wonderful that this woman is pursuing her vision:

especially in a profession where it is assumed that one needs to be physically abled.

no matter how she does it (or doesn't do it?), i applaud her in this courageous attempt in surpassing any/all obstacles.

let me know how she's doing?

leslie

ohmeowzer RN, RN · Jul 18, 2007

in my LPN class we had a girl who had one arm. she was able to start iv's and everything. she is now a RN . i think it's wonderful this lady wants to be a nurse. i don't think your bashing at all. her nursing career may be helping others like herself and teaching people that they can accomplish their dreams. nursing isn't all physical .. she can teach, be a case manager she has lots of doors open to her. good luck in your program

woody62, RN · Jul 18, 2007

I have a girl in one of my classes that is starting the nursing program this Fall.
She has Cerebal Palsy.
She has a speech impediment, one of her hands/partial arm does not appear to be very functional (her hand stays flat)..and her walk is what you might expect with someone with CP, and she cannot stand up normally.
My question is...I am all about people not letting a disability hold them back, but I am wondering how this poor young lady can possibly finish the nursing program...how can she even get a CPR certification if your hands don't work?
I don't want anyone thinking that I'm bashing...I'm not...I am just trying to get a better understanding of how this would work for her. I think it's great that she is able to do what she is with school.

I am assuming that the nursing program knows about her limitations. And are willing to make adaptations on her behalf. Her limitations should not prevent her fromcompleting the program. She may not be able to perform some of the physical tasks but this should not block her. This past May, a young woman graduated from medical school. She lacked both of her lower extremities from below the knees and one of her arms, below the elbow. I cannot imagine how she will do CPR but that apparently is not enough of a limitation to prevent her from beginning her pediatric residency in L.A.

You should worry more about your meeting the requirements of your program, then worrying about her meeting program requirements. Adaptations will be made. By virtue of the American's with Disability Act, these accomadations must be made.

Woody:balloons:

puggymae · Jul 18, 2007

I have had deaf students in my class, students with artificial arms, students with artificial legs, students with CP, and a student who wore an eye patch because she only had one eye.

They all functioned without problem - because they had all adapted to the world we live in daily. I have said this before - people do what they want and have to do to get by in this world.

caliotter3 · Jul 18, 2007

I have cared for so many people who are leading useless (their viewpoint, not necessarily mine) existences because of their disabilities. Even with my limited knowledge base, I know that many of these people could be doing something productive if only they were given the chance and received the benefits of accommodation. I'll bet that this lady turns out to be a good nurse who puts forth great effort at whatever she does. How much better to encounter her somewhere than one of the people who collect a check but accomplish as little as possible.

Icare4u2 · Jul 18, 2007

i have a disability (i am severly hearing impaired) and i have been a nurse for over 20 years. i did not have the disability when i became a nurse, but, trust me, i found ways to work around it. if you really want to do something, you will. i know your classmate will do well if she really wants to. yes, accomodations will have to be made but that's why there is the americans with disabilities act. it's commendable that she wants to try and be as productive as she can be. i'm thankful i don't have to sit at home and collect a disability check and i can made a contribution to society. more power to her!!!