Nursing school ?'s about disabilities-RSD,Dystonia...

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Hello. I am new here. I found this site while browsing for help for nursing students. My name is Kim; Emma123 is because my dog is Emma! :chuckle

I finished my pre-reqs when I was "well." Now I'm to start my actual nursing classes August 20th. Last December I found out, after being in a lot of pain for 4 years, that I had an extra c-rib. They dx'd me with Thoracic Outlet Syndrome, and b/c of nerve damage, they removed both ribs. I also have Dystonia (no abnormal posturing of neck b/c both sides are equally bad). About a month after the surgery my pain increased terribly, developed swelling "man-hand"; found out it was RSD. I've had stellate blocks, I'm on meds regularly, and right now other than being in pain at night, my condition is stable.

Today I contacted the disabilities coordinator at the college. I haven't heard back yet, of course.

My question is, with a TOS surgery still not fully healed, RSD and Dystonia that all seem to be "stable" at the time, are my chances somewhat cloudy of being refused a seat in the nursing program this year?

It's already been offerred to me. I've already mailed the paperwork that I needed mailed, contacted my HS for my immunization records, got an appt for my physical, signed up for the pro CPR class, mailed in my criminal background check, nursing agreement, filed for financial aid (which I don't qualify for unfortunately). I've been VERY BUSY lately.

My fears are talking to the DON about my disabilities and having her say, "Are you out of your mind?" with regard to nursing as a career choice.

My goal is to get through clinicals, finish my BSN online, and eventually get into areas of case management, or another area of nursing not beside care. I realize I will have to do this throughout my clinicals, but I did ask the dis.coordinator for advice on accomodations.

I haven't told the DON's secretary about my physical condition. I was too busy being exstatic about getting in this fall in the first place, and getting everything done that I need done. I'm afraid, and I don't know how to approach them.

I want to sound like I have some ideas in my head before approaching her. Such as, what are some areas of nursing that don't require heavy lifting? Is it feasible to ask for help with clinicals (lifting/ambulation)? If it sounds totally "out of this world crazy" I would like you all to be honest with me! I'd rather hear it all from YOU than the DON.

Any suggestions on how I should go about this conversation??

Thank you soooooooooooooo much...

Kim

P.S. It's nice to meet all of you!!

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Hello. I am new here. I found this site while browsing for help for nursing students. My name is Kim; Emma123 is because my dog is Emma! :chuckle

I finished my pre-reqs when I was "well." Now I'm to start my actual nursing classes August 20th. Last December I found out, after being in a lot of pain for 4 years, that I had an extra c-rib. They dx'd me with Thoracic Outlet Syndrome, and b/c of nerve damage, they removed both ribs. I also have Dystonia (no abnormal posturing of neck b/c both sides are equally bad). About a month after the surgery my pain increased terribly, developed swelling "man-hand"; found out it was RSD. I've had stellate blocks, I'm on meds regularly, and right now other than being in pain at night, my condition is stable.

Today I contacted the disabilities coordinator at the college. I haven't heard back yet, of course.

My question is, with a TOS surgery still not fully healed, RSD and Dystonia that all seem to be "stable" at the time, are my chances somewhat cloudy of being refused a seat in the nursing program this year?

It's already been offerred to me. I've already mailed the paperwork that I needed mailed, contacted my HS for my immunization records, got an appt for my physical, signed up for the pro CPR class, mailed in my criminal background check, nursing agreement, filed for financial aid (which I don't qualify for unfortunately). I've been VERY BUSY lately.

My fears are talking to the DON about my disabilities and having her say, "Are you out of your mind?" with regard to nursing as a career choice.

My goal is to get through clinicals, finish my BSN online, and eventually get into areas of case management, or another area of nursing not beside care. I realize I will have to do this throughout my clinicals, but I did ask the dis.coordinator for advice on accomodations.

I haven't told the DON's secretary about my physical condition. I was too busy being exstatic about getting in this fall in the first place, and getting everything done that I need done. I'm afraid, and I don't know how to approach them.

I want to sound like I have some ideas in my head before approaching her. Such as, what are some areas of nursing that don't require heavy lifting? Is it feasible to ask for help with clinicals (lifting/ambulation)? If it sounds totally "out of this world crazy" I would like you all to be honest with me! I'd rather hear it all from YOU than the DON.

Any suggestions on how I should go about this conversation??

Thank you soooooooooooooo much...

Kim

P.S. It's nice to meet all of you!!

Dear Kim,

congrads on getting accepted to school. I am a nursing student with disablitiy. I am not familiar with the ones you have. I have found that you must be able to answer there questions. For example when they asked me about my studying I was ready with an answer about I would overcome it and get on with life and how it would not affect my performance in the program. There is also an American Disabilites Act this may cover you some check it out. You would do well to point to the fact that you have finished your pre req. for the school already that should count for something. I have a friend who has back problems she knew that peads was more for her because of her physical problems. You must go in with your eyes wide open. For example for me I know that ICU is for me more than ward work. Good luck need any more feedback just write in. :balloons:

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Hello. I am new here. I found this site while browsing for help for nursing students. My name is Kim; Emma123 is because my dog is Emma! :chuckle

I finished my pre-reqs when I was "well." Now I'm to start my actual nursing classes August 20th. Last December I found out, after being in a lot of pain for 4 years, that I had an extra c-rib. They dx'd me with Thoracic Outlet Syndrome, and b/c of nerve damage, they removed both ribs. I also have Dystonia (no abnormal posturing of neck b/c both sides are equally bad). About a month after the surgery my pain increased terribly, developed swelling "man-hand"; found out it was RSD. I've had stellate blocks, I'm on meds regularly, and right now other than being in pain at night, my condition is stable.

Today I contacted the disabilities coordinator at the college. I haven't heard back yet, of course.

My question is, with a TOS surgery still not fully healed, RSD and Dystonia that all seem to be "stable" at the time, are my chances somewhat cloudy of being refused a seat in the nursing program this year?

It's already been offerred to me. I've already mailed the paperwork that I needed mailed, contacted my HS for my immunization records, got an appt for my physical, signed up for the pro CPR class, mailed in my criminal background check, nursing agreement, filed for financial aid (which I don't qualify for unfortunately). I've been VERY BUSY lately.

My fears are talking to the DON about my disabilities and having her say, "Are you out of your mind?" with regard to nursing as a career choice.

My goal is to get through clinicals, finish my BSN online, and eventually get into areas of case management, or another area of nursing not beside care. I realize I will have to do this throughout my clinicals, but I did ask the dis.coordinator for advice on accomodations.

I haven't told the DON's secretary about my physical condition. I was too busy being exstatic about getting in this fall in the first place, and getting everything done that I need done. I'm afraid, and I don't know how to approach them.

I want to sound like I have some ideas in my head before approaching her. Such as, what are some areas of nursing that don't require heavy lifting? Is it feasible to ask for help with clinicals (lifting/ambulation)? If it sounds totally "out of this world crazy" I would like you all to be honest with me! I'd rather hear it all from YOU than the DON.

Any suggestions on how I should go about this conversation??

Thank you soooooooooooooo much...

Kim

P.S. It's nice to meet all of you!!

I do not know about in the US but in UK there is moving and handling framework. You should never lift on your own if the client is not safe always ask for help. It puts you and the client at risk.

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I didn't tell them about my disabilities until after I started school - just due to timing and my own personal choices. I was up front about it as soon as I got there, however. I met with the assistant dean of student affairs and the VP of the school of nursing, and they were very understanding. I had to get certain documentation (just a letter, really) from my neurologist, and then I had to put in writing what accomodations I would need.

They then responded with a letter stating what accomodations they would offer, and on what conditions. It worked out very well.

I did have some major health roadblocks in nursing school, but because I had set the foundation of being very conscientious about things and really worked hard to stay on top of my disability, they were excellent about it.

The hardest part was the toll on me! But...if you are bound and determined to do it, then you will - just make sure you are not putting yourself at risk for injury with the physical side of nursing. That's something that you'd have to decide with a student health center, your own physician, etc.

Good luck!

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You are protected under the Americans With Disabilities Act. I would suggest you obtain supporting documentation from your treating physicians. They should outline the extent of your disabilities, their impact on your abilities and what type of assistance you may require. The program is mandated to provide you with such assistance, without cost, to you.

Grannynurse :balloons:

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I wanted to thank all of you for your replies.

I was just offerred the seat this year about 2 wks ago. I figured I had another year to sit and worry about it! LOL I'm glad it was just thrown at me.

I'm so excited, nervous, elated, afraid.....it seems my emotions change quicker than the MI weather!

I am afraid of the toll it will take on me physically. I know I will be in a lot of pain, but I just don't want to give up on my dream. I've tried to entertain the thought of another occupation, but none of them interest me the way that nursing does. That's what I spent 2 years doing pre-reqs for. I don't want to change majors now.

Besides, I have 3 children and 2 stepchildren. I want them to see Mommy succeed. They know how much I want this, and I am hoping that by following through, it will give me utmost satisfaction as well as show the kids that they can follow their dream, despite barriers.

In a nutshell, my disability amounts to abnormal motor neuron firing (leaving me with wicked muscle spasms). They are under control for the most part with oral meds, but can also become quite a BEAST. I'm hoping my will is stronger than my pain tolerance! :)

Thanks, everyone for your advice!!!

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