pre nursing student with learning disability

[m.con]

Hi, i've been reading through some of the topics and had to ask for some advice. I want to be a nurse more than anything, i have taken a CNA course, passed and got my certification. I worked as a cna in a couple of nursing homes then got pregnant. I have a 13 month old son now and i got set back a little but i feel even more passionate about doing nursing and more motivated for my son! My question is i have a learning disability and i worry that when applying for nursing school the admission committe may look down on me for that and wont accept me into the nursing program. How can i reach out for help so i can ensure that i dont fail in nursing school without being embrassed and who do i talk too? Can i get through nursing school with a learning disability?

Another question i have is how many nurses out there went through nursing school with children? Was it difficult? how did you manage? My husband is not very supportive at all and thinks its not important for me to have my own career but i am very passionate about nursing and want it so badly! How can i make this work?

[elprup, BSN, RN]

Follow your dream and do not let anybody tell you otherwise. We are capable of more than we know. A learning disability will not hinder you in college. In fact, most colleges have a Disability Center to assist those who need it. Obviously, the disability has to be documented. But, by enlisting this offices help, usually the student gets first dibbs on all classes, a free computer center to work at, and help finding ways to make your disability work, like they provide note takers, enlarged type, or recorders. At all times, they help you deal with teachers and all the demands placed upon you in nursing school. Colleges usually also have a program for single students with children. They may help with book fees, and or childcare while you are in school. Check if your college has a early childhood education program and call them ASAP to get on the waiting list so your child can go to school with you. My daughter went with me and it was such a great feeling, knowing she was close and safe. Another thing is to file you FAFSA as soon as possible after January. That is how colleges dole out student financial aide. Make an appt with financial aide after you get your FASFA return.If your EFC (expected family contribution) is zero or close to it, be sure to apply for any and all scholarships you come across. Google scholarships for your disability too! Also check out the Deartment of Health Nursing Scholarship Program. Once you are admitted into a nursing program apply for this! They paid all my tuition. I have to work in underserved area for all years they paid, but that is fine with me. Be forewarned, nursing is a dysfunctional profession. Nursing school was wicked hard, but being out in the nursing profession/trying to land a job in this economy as a new grad is exceedingly difficult. Then when one does land a job, pray that job does not expect you to sell your soul to work for them. Keep your eyes and heart open. You can do anything. Yes, I had two small children, was fresh out of a domestically violent marriage and had $10 to my name when I started my prerequisites at a junior college. If you want something bad enough, nothing can stand in your way. Ask me anything, anytime. Elprup

[cadeucus4927]

Hello i was going through the messages and came across yours so i wanted to share my opinion, i too live with a disability only physical and in a sense somewhat worried that i will be turned away from nursing school so i can definitly empathize with you but lets continue to strive and keep moving forward stay positive and lots of luck to you:) For anyone out there that can give us some advice would be greatly appreciated!

[neverbethesame]

Hi,

A couple of things. Go to a Community College or University NOT a diploma program attached to a hospital as they are not equipped to deal with LD's. Trust me. Also, why do you have to tell them when applying? I don't think that is something that they can legally ask as we are a protected class and it would be discrimination. I've never, ever seen that type of questioning on any school/work application like they ask about criminal background. I wouldn't tell any school until absolutley necessary. The above poster is correct in that there is a lot of help in colleges/universities (not at a diploma nursing school) for those of us with LD's.

Good Luck!!!!