Visually impaired nurses/ legally blind nurses

Nurses Disabilities

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Hi everyone,

I am a new nursing student, and I was born with albinism. My eyesight is about 20/200 (maybe a tiny bit better), but basically legally blind. I was never raised to be "disabled" and have continued to overcome obstacles in my life (functioning in daily life, and even driving) with minor adaptations. I was just wondering if there are any other nurses out there in similar situations, or know of any nurses who are in a similar situation who could provide insight on what specialties are better suited for this type of situation, what adaptations are found to be helpful in nursing for the visually impaired, or any other special information that I should know about.

I guess my problem sometimes is that I can forget that I am "disabled". I haven't started any of my clinical rotations yet, but I imagine I would like ICU, mental health, oncology, cardiology, or maybe even ED. Does this seem unrealistic? I've always been good at finding ways to adapt, like using magnifiers, apps on my phone, bioptic glasses for driving. At the same time, I don't want to get in over my head and put a patient's life in danger just because I want to follow my dreams. I've been a great massage therapist for almost 7 years, but that really depends more on touch than sight, so I don't have too much of a frame of reference.

Any input would be appreciated, thanks guys!

Hi there,

It's been a while since I posted to this thread but I guess quite a bit has changed for me so...

I left the hospital, not because I couldn't hack it, but because I felt like a trained monkey could do what I was doing. It seemed like the majority of my day was consumed with med passes. I took a job at a home health agency as the clinical supervisor, managing all clinical operations. People think home health is where your nursing skills go to die. I disagree. While some skills do dwindle, you also end up with different skills that open bigger and better doors. I've learned management, case management, staffing, and continuing to expand on my clinical decision making. Additionally, there were clinical skills like wound care (which I personally love) that I never got to see in the hospital (especially since most hospitals have specialized WOCN teams).

Admittedly, home health doesn't pay that great (at least here in Georgia). From what I hear though, many prisons don't either. So, it may be something you may be interested in. For me, I get to do the kind of nursing that I got into the field for. I do mostly admin stuff but still get some direct patient care here and there. 1 on 1 care where I get to really feel like I impact people's lives. I work specifically in pediatric cardiac home health.

Lol, it's ironic. I swore I'd never do peds and I'd NEVER do home health. Never say never. But that should give you an idea of how much I must like this place. ?

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Hi!
I am applying to BSN programs for the Spring 21 semester. I am also visually impaired and would really like to have a conversation with you about your experience of nursing school... it’s been 7 years since this post.. I am just really curious how everything turned out for you. I can give you my facebook name

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Hi, yes, you can PM me your FB name. I already sent you a PM as well.

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Hello!

I was so excited when I found this thread! I too am legally blind and have albinism. The medical field has always been a passion of mine. Schooling had been challenging, due to the lack of understanding. However, I can no longer allow my visual impairment keep me from my dream. If you all would please respond, or email me, [email protected], I’d greatly appreciate it. I’m wanting to do extensive research before getting started. There’s no other greater source than those who have been through it-and succeeded. I appreciate you all for sharing.

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On 7/23/2020 at 12:30 PM, Veronica Sullivan said:

Hello!

I was so excited when I found this thread! I too am legally blind and have albinism. The medical field has always been a passion of mine. Schooling had been challenging, due to the lack of understanding. However, I can no longer allow my visual impairment keep me from my dream. If you all would please respond, or email me, [email protected], I’d greatly appreciate it. I’m wanting to do extensive research before getting started. There’s no other greater source than those who have been through it-and succeeded. I appreciate you all for sharing.

Hey there and welcome! I tried emailing you, but it told me your email address was invalid. I'd be happy to share some of my tips and experiences with you. My wife and I also used to make Youtube videos about albinism and how it relates to our daily life. I do a brief segment on nursing in one or two of them. You can catch them at www.Youtube.com/AshleyMatt720or you can PM me as well.

good luck!

Matt

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My name is Patrick and I suffer from Optic Atrophy with a 20/500 uncorrectable acuity in both eyes. I am incredibly excited and optimistic to read these posts. I'm planning on beginning school in the fall to become not a nurse, but a PT Assistant. The program requires a few labs for bio and AandP. My question is: what accomodations did you folks use in the labs? I'm currently logged in with FB, so feel free to DM me.

Thank you for your responses in advance,

Patrick

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