Writing Dean of Nursing.........

Multicollinearity, BSN, RN · Nov 4, 2007

I'm sorry you've had such a hard time. I'm familiar with the FM system you refer to and HOH (hard of hearing) but some others might not be. You might wish to explain that a bit more, so others could understand what you are talking about.

I know needing to use the FM system can be difficult because some are reluctant to wear the FM amplifier to send to your receivers in your ears.

In your shoes, I think I'd consider directing all of my attention at passing the NCLEX. After I passed it, then I'd re-direct my attention at the letter to the dean. You may or may not want to write the letter at that time. However, wouldn't you rather be able to say you passed the NCLEX? That does seem to be your most pressing need at this time.

Good luck!

Conrad283, BSN, RN · Nov 4, 2007

I'm sorry to hear about your difficulties with the NCLEX exam. It seems that you are one to prove people wrong, and I'm sure that the constant badgering only helped add fuel to your fire. Congrats on making it thru nursing school and not letting those who put you down win.

I agree that you should concentrate on taking the NCLEX and then concentrate on the letter.

HM2VikingRN, RN · Nov 4, 2007

I'm sorry you've had such a hard time. I'm familiar with the FM system you refer to and HOH (hard of hearing) but some others might not be. You might wish to explain that a bit more, so others could understand what you are talking about.
I know needing to use the FM system can be difficult because some are reluctant to wear the FM amplifier to send to your receivers in your ears.
In your shoes, I think I'd consider directing all of my attention at passing the NCLEX. After I passed it, then I'd re-direct my attention at the letter to the dean. You may or may not want to write the letter at that time. However, wouldn't you rather be able to say you passed the NCLEX? That does seem to be your most pressing need at this time.
Good luck!

Passsing the NCLEX will validate your points just that much more. NCLEX first then think about your letter...

HM2VikingRN, RN · Nov 4, 2007

i think that the program was in violation of ada as well. you were able to do the tasks required without accomodation but that in effect validates the reasons that they should have used the accomodation you requested.

unfortunately this kind of active discrimination reflects very poorly on the school and its responsibility to teach core nursing values to students.

human dignity

"respect for the inherent worth and uniqueness of individuals and populations"

integrity

"acting in accordance with an appropriate code of ethics and accepted standards of practice"

autonomy

"the right to self-determination"

altruism

"a concern for the welfare and well being of others"

social justice

"upholding moral, legal, and humanistic principles"

llg, PhD, RN · Nov 4, 2007

I agree with the other posters. First, pass the NCLLEX. Then fight your battle with the school. At this point in your career, making more enemies within your school will not help your career.

As someone who is hearing impaired myself, I am supportive of efforts to make the profession of nursing more inclusive and accessible to all. But as a faculty member, I also understand that students must be held to a consistent standard in most cases. (e.g. either meeting your preceptorship requirements in the allotted time or negotiating an alternative timetable) The issues are complicated and cases have to be addressed one at a time. Learning HOW to thrive within the profession is important -- and making enemies now is not in your best interest -- nor is it in the best interest of other hearing impaired students who may follow you into the school.

phoenix72 · Nov 4, 2007

It's funny because I left the world of HR and I seem to be spouting law here on this board and awful lot. It sounds to me like your professor did violate ADA by refusing to wear the amplifier as it is a simple request and does not place undue hardship on the professor. As far as everything else, I can't say that I see it as discrimination, sorry. I've always coached employees that if you know something is against the rules, do the right thing. If others were wearing sweats, don't wear them yourself if you are aware that you are not supposed to. You are only responsible for yourself, no one else. I agree with the other posteer who stated that outside of accomodations, you should be treated like every other student. That said, I agree that you need to put this aside for now and focus all of your energy on passing the test. After that's accomplished then you can turn your attention on helping future students. You are a very strong person and passing this test will show them not to underestimate those individuals with disabilities/ special needs.

snowfreeze, BSN, RN · Nov 4, 2007

StressQT23

Glad you completed nursing school and are pursuing nursing as a career. I worked with a deaf paramedic (she had no hearing, used the typing system to communicate with the docs) for about a year and a half, she was very good and many people gave her a hard time. She never had trouble with the docs just mostly co-workers. Her assessment skills were unique and yes at times she had to depend on the EMT with her on calls to listen to lungs. She read lips well and spoke clearly so patients were able to understand her.

Pass NCLEX and be an advocate for other HOH students in nursing school. You can address the need for someone to assist HOH students in their studies. You can also offer to tutor or be a mentor at the school you attended, this would certainly be more positive than simply addressing how you were given a difficult time. Presenting yourself as a solution to a problem will likely resolve the problem.

mauxtav8r · Nov 4, 2007

Hang in there, pass the NCLEX, show'em.

Don't worry about the school or the dean. Dollars to donuts she already knows about you from "the other side". She is so strapped for nursing instructors she'd probably let them walk you through a pit of fire or lie on a bed of nails before she'd admit THEY were the problem. Then she'd have a bigger problem - - - replacing the instructors.

SAC101 · Nov 4, 2007

I agree that you should concentrate on taking the NCLEX and then concentrate on the letter.

If I were you I would focus on what is distracting me from passing the NCLEX. It could be the experience you had in school. Write the dean about it so it can get off your mind. Then tackle the NCLEX. You can't focus on studies so well if something is on your mind. Sorry about yor experience.

Sabby_NC · Nov 4, 2007

Sorry to read of all the issues you had during your Nursing Program.

I wish you all the very best with your NCLEX.

Focus all your energies into showing them all you will make a jolly good nurse :)

HealingHands327 · Nov 5, 2007

I think the concern is patient safety (it's too bad the instructors couldn't voice their feelings better). If the instructors have to wear a device just so you can hear them properly, I am concerned about the safety of the patients who you will be caring for, after all it is unlikely that they will all wear these devices as well as health care providers you will take orders from. In the event of an emergency, important details that mean life and death for the patient can really be missed.... :uhoh3:

I'm sure you can make great nurse, it's not impossible, but it requires a lot of effort and determination on your part, and I hope you have it. Good luck to you.