CombatCJ

Yes. Working for the govt is an experience :). I love my country and really love my veteran patients. But the complexity and politics involved in the job are challenging. I'm still on work comp so not a good plan to leave right now but definitely considering my options all around.

I work for the federal govt aka they don't care regardless of what they say or promote as they don't answer to anyone. Lots of good info here. Very appreciative. I'm still exploring options.

I've been researching online programs. The problem is - just because they are offered doesn't mean they are accredited in my state. In other words, I won't qualify to sit for boards cuz they didn't pay my state's board of higher educations fees to be accredited in my state. In fact, most programs won't even allow you to enroll. Crazy eh? And FNP is not my preference. I'd prefer adult especially acute care or even women's health. My hearing stuff is the least of my concerns but if I need to sit or get off my feet and I'm not allowed then what? I deal with pain constantly but my body fatigues out quickly and easily with certain activities, such as stagnant standing. Then what? i agree my disabilities should be accommodated and law says so as well but I live and work in the real world. I'm a federal employee (va nurse) and I can tell you they do not care one bit of they violate laws cuz what am I gonna do - sue them? They always have a loop hole. And they do not practice what they preach. And that's why I feel like I'm just running in circles with all this.

On the hearing, I do have an amplified stethoscope and very heavily rely on reading lips but group/classroom settings are challenging. It seems that is the area of least concern. On on the lifting, not moving patients is exactly why it should work. However, schools are requiring extensive standing, being on feet, lifting, pushing and pulling as part of clinicals and have "physical standards" that I cannot fully meet without accommodations, rest breaks, etc thus I do not meet their criteria for their programs.

My my hearing is categorized as severe to profound. I've been in bilateral hearing aids for awhile. I also injured my back and neck nursing. Had a couple surgeries and lots of rehab. On a 10# lifting/pushing/pulling restriction with frequent position changes (sitting, standing -no more than 30" each. I just fatigue out or pain flares up).

I'm a BSN looking to get my NP. I love practicing so this really is the route I want but got injured on the job a few years back and have permanent physical limitations. Plus I was already hard of hearing. Schools are starting to tell me I don't meet the physical standards for the program. I'm devastated. I'm trying to get some options for myself and my future while doing what I love and I"m good at it! My employer won't even let me do a nursing related job anymore so I have no current experience (some schools require that as well). I'm just devastated and not sure what to do now. I know I know - I could do education or leadership or something that doesn't practice but then I may as well keep at the non-nursing (light duty offers) jobs I 'm allowed now. Could really use any advice as I'm just trying to digest this overwhelming news.

I'm currently injured - back and neck - and it's created limitations. Plus I was already hard of hearing :) I've only been allowed to work non-nursing jobs (don't even need a GED) since my injury. I'm still with my current employer as I"m still with work comp. My rehab nurse told me to apply for any job if I meet at least 50% of the requirements - but it's not that simple. I applied for over 70 positions in my currently facility over 5 months and was denied for every one of them. One of the interviewers that was actually willing to follow up and talk with me let it slip that there was a rumor I had applied for a lot of positions and that's why I was being denied them. Nice, eh? And I'm talking federal govt here so they can do and say as they choose without consequences. I offer them options upon options to deal with me and accommodate but they won't. So I get exactly what you're dealing with. I try to stay positive but it is hard. I just want to be a nurse... like you do too. I'm here for support for you. Wish I could be more helpful.

I too am hard of hearing. Bilateral BTEs. Prior to injuring my back I worked acute care for 7 years. I put in for straight night shift cuz it's quieter and less phone calls. Most of the time I handed the phone to someone else. I now have a captioned phone at home - captioncall like you mentioned. Not sure why the issue with hippa by the phone folks. I would have expected it to be the hospital who objected. Are they the only caption phone makers? Is there more information regarding the reason for not agreeing to hippa? How is this different from a patient with a captioned phone receiving "private" calls? Hopefully it's resolvable for you.