rednotebook

Hello all, I'm hoping I could get some advice. I am 22 and just graduated with my BA in psychology with a 3.0 gpa. Originally, my goal was get into occupational therapy and I'm done with all of the prereqs, GRE, and set to apply this Fall 2015. However, my goal since I was young was to become a nurse. The reason I haven't pursued it or even thought about doing it until now is because I have now realized that I am physically able to carry out the duties of a nurse (I was born with amniotic band syndrome, so I had a preconceived notion that I couldn't do it) So, right now I am struggling with the decision to apply to OT school in the Fall or spend the spring and summer semesters taking prereqs, volunteering, getting my CNA licence to gear up to applying to nursing school in the fall. My parents are strongly suggesting that I become an OT first and then transition into nursing because they think 1.) Nursing is too competitive right now. They think I will have a much easier time securing a hospital RN position once I've gained experience as an OT. Are they right? Will experience as an OT in a hospital setting help me? (This reasoning makes sense and is making me consider becoming an OT first and then transitioning to becoming an RN) 2.) I have way too much to accomplish for nursing school applications and I couldn't possible get it all done by Fall 2015. I still have to take the teas, 4 prereqs, becoming CNA certified). I've gotten an "A" in English, Stats, Physio, and Micro and a "C" in chemistry. 3.) Unfortunately, they also don't believe I can be a nurse because of the way my syndrome has affected my hands.

Whether or not you get an official diagnosis of Asperger's, sit down and think about what you've achieved: BSN, 4 years as a nurse, patients noticing and thanking you for what you've done for them. Bottom-line: You've a achieved so much. In my humble opinion, don't let your anxiousness about having Asperger's negate your achievements. When you see your psychiatrist next, mention how to work around your mother's feelings about your future and some of your worries. From your post, I feel like her comments might be affecting you.

While I am not a nurse, I hope this helps: Nurses with disabilities may have had experiences in which they themselves were patients. Having experiences being a patient may help nurses better empathize and put themselves in their patients' position. A nurse with a disability can demonstrate that he or she is healthy and able to serve his or her patients by following protocol and delivering patient-centered care with or without the use of any accommodation.

You all are lovely! If I ever become a nurse, it will be because of you guys. Also, if any of you reading this thread have a disability or limitation this book seems so interesting: It's called "Leave No Nurse Behind" and was written by one of the nurses behind the exceptionalnurses.com site. Leave No Nurse Behind: Nurses Working with disAbilities: Donna Maheady ARNP EdD: 9780595396498: Amazon.com: Books

PS: I'll take the pic down if it violates any rules :)

You all are awesome! Thank you for the PM's and encouragement so far. Here's what my hands look like in case you guys are curious or if it would improve feedback!:

SleepyRN: Thank you for the care you deliver to your residents. The amount of residents you had to take care of at once sounds impossible and I commend you for doing your best. I hope that you find a position that is more manageable because 40 to 1 sounds absolutely crazy. Thank you for the honest responses so far. You all sound like such amazing and caring professionals.

Hi SleepyRN! What is the patient to nurse ratio where you work? I hope things get better for you!

Hi all! I love nursing for so many reasons: The contact with people, being able to care for them when they are sick, and the fascinating medicine and clinical aspects that you use everyday. However I want to know, what has been the most challenging/frustrating aspect about your nursing career and would you recommend nursing to others? I have a very romanticized view of the profession because many nurses have provided care and comfort for me when I spent much of my childhood in hospitals.

You guys are awesome! Hopefully, if and when I get there, I'll build up the stamina too! As a former patient that has spent so much time in hospitals, that you for all that you do as nurses!

Hi toucheturtle! Of course if I find out anything I'll let PM you! I've tried contacting a few manufacturers and we'll see what they say when they get back to me! Hi CrunchRN! That is very generous of you! I can't message you because I haven't posted 15 topics, but it is still possible to send me a message. If not, I'll just PM you once I reach 15 topics.

Hi all! I am a student contemplating a nursing career and was just curious if you all have any tips to be focused your entire 12 hour shift? I have had internships in college where I am tired after only 8 hours, how do you manage to keep your physical and mental energy up for so long?

Hi Cobweb! I love the article. Thank you so much for linking it! I'm currently browsing exceptionalnurse.com :)

Hi mama.RN! Your kind words are lovely and so encouraging. When the Dean asked about finding skintight gloves she mentioned that gloves that are skintight are more sterile, so I think that is why she might have been concerned. Her comment about patients hurt me until I saw your post. You're right! I will hopefully prove myself to patients through my rapport with them and my skills, not the way I look. You really changed my outlook.

Keep the suggestions coming! Also, if there is anything I can help with or if anyone wants to know more about Amniotic Band Syndrome, feel free to ask or leave a message!

Hi CT Pixie! I have a question about your coworker. How does he use gloves? I have nine fingers that are pretty stunted and when I wear size small gloves, they are still too large and have a lot of extra space in the digit areas. The reason I ask is because, I talked to an RN that is the Dean of Nursing at my CC and she really wanted me to try to find a way to have "gloves that are skin tight so that they are more sterile."

Update: I saw the dean of nursing at my local community college and she watched me work with syringes and IVs. She is cautiously optimistic that I won't have trouble in the future. I am so surprised I can do it! In my head, working with needles seemed really hard, but when I actually used them, it was really doable! However, the dean brought up two concerns: 1. Procuring gloves that fit. I have been searching for a manufacturing that can make custom medical gloves for my hands. Does anyone know of any resources? 2. If patients will feel comfortable under my care. This one bothered me a little, but she has a point. I don't want to make sick patients feel uncomfortable, but I don't know what to think. Nursing is a huge goal for me.

Thank you so much ScientistSalarian and righteousjen! I have only been part of this site for 24 hours and have learned so much!

Thank you so much CT Pixie! I have been searching for any role models in nursing that could have a semblance of the same deformity that I have and it is such a relief to know that there are nurses like your coworker that have gotten through schools and have successful nursing careers. Seriously, I cannot thank you enough! I have been worrying incessantly.

Hi All! What has been the most challenging prereq and do you have any tips to prepare? Was it Bio? Chem? Anatomy? Physiology? So far, its been general chemistry

Hi All! Is there any information for the average acceptance rate for schools such as CSULB or CSULA? Does reputation of where one gets his or her BSN/ADN matter? For example, would it be better to get a BSN from a Cal State versus an ADN from a community college in terms of prospects to get hired?

I have been having the same fears and I haven't even started prereqs! Good luck on your journey OP

Hi All! I am a senior at a top 20 university that has always been passionate about healthcare, but especially nursing. However, I reluctantly let go of my dream to be a nurse because I was born with Amniotic Band Syndrome. Amniotic Band Syndrome has left me with disfigured fingers and while I have never had any difficulty carrying out any activities, I am unsure about many things such as: 1.) Will I be able to give injections? My fingers and hands have a pretty strong grip, however my fingers are only 2-3 inches long. My ultimate goal is to be in bedside nursing in a hospital. I am meeting with the dean of nursing at my local cc to discuss the injection part and hopefully I can meet with a clinical instructor at the school and assess whether I can give injections/insert IVs. 2.) Getting a job in general. Given that the job market is so tight and saturated, why would anyone want to hire me when there are other nurses that can perform all duties? 3.) Will patients feel uncomfortable with my hands? Will management or colleagues feel that I am a liability? At this point, I will still put in applications into PT school, but I still have such a strong desire to be a nurse. Is it realistic? Thank you so much for your help!