Reluctant Nurse

[brooklynnatty]

Hi there:

I'm hoping to get some solid advice for my concern. For the past 2 1/2 years I have been experiencing speech difficulties stemming from a very difficult birth resulting in stroke like symptoms. I have had Myasthenia Gravis for the past 12 years and it was viciously exacerbated after the birth of my beautiful daughter. I am an LPN and haven't been able to work since receiving my license (I became pregnant shortly after graduating) I would LOVE to work but feel intimidated by my nasal voice. Some words don't come out clearly. I don't speak on the phone much due to this problem. Although the condition is slowly getting better, I am still reluctant to "step out". ANY words of advice on what area of nursing I should try that won't require me to speak TOO much and any additional advice would be GOLDEN.

Thank you for reading

Natty

[Bocephus71RN-BSN, BSN, RN]

I'm sorry to hear about your speech, and congratulations on the beautiful daughter. If the speech impediment does not limit your nursing abilities and is not a disability but rather something you feel self conscious about. I would go to work. I have worked with hearing impaired people who did the job fine. I work with nurses from other countries that are great nurses but are very difficult to understand at times because their English is not very good. I wouldn't let it stop me. And if you are looking for something where you weren't talking with doctors, a lot of staff, and family all day long. Think about night shift in a nursing home. You rarely speak at all on night shift, not a lot of staff, rarely talk with doctors, and families are at home asleep. Good luck to you what ever you decide on.

[Faeriewand, ASN, RN]

I too was going to suggest LTC. I was at a rehabilitative institute as a student recently and a nurse working there had a very noticeable speech impediment. She just acted like it was no big deal so everyone just ignored it.

Good luck to you!