As an
advocate for nurses and nursing students with disabilities, I often hear from
nursing students who see their situation as an “emergency”! Not a life
and death emergency as we typically think of it, but for many their situation
is perceived to be an emergency.
So,
what type of situations?
A nursing student with hearing loss is counseled by
his or her clinical instructor regarding performance of a nursing skill.
A nursing student with a learning disability
receives a notice of being in danger of failing a course due to weak APA and
writing skills.
A nursing student with
dyscalculia is taking the math/medication calculation test for the second
time. Students are only allowed two attempts.
In the nursing lab, a nursing student missing her
left hand is unable to catheterize using appropriate technique.
A nursing student with short stature is unsuccessful performing CPR in a classroom setting.
What do I say?
In most situations, my best advice is to breathe and
breathe again!
Eat a healthy snack or meal.
Breathe
Get some exercise and a good night’s sleep.
Breathe
Then take action!
Remember
the question “How do you get to Carnegie Hall?
The answer is "Practice"!
Get back to the nursing lab as soon as possible
and practice, practice and practice again.
Contact the college or university learning or
writing center. Sign up for a writing or math tutor.
Practice using breathing and relaxation techniques.
Make an appointment to meet privately with your
nursing instructor.
Visit the Disabilities Services Office as soon as
possible.
Join a study group and buy review books.
Get connected with other nurses, nursing students and
mentors with similar challenges through the non-profit organization
ExceptionalNurse.com. http://ExceptionalNurse.com.
Join the Exceptional Nurse group on Facebook. https://www.facebook.com/groups/ExceptionalNurse/
Read all you can about other nurses and students
with similar issues. Identify what worked for them.
Remember that most nursing students struggle with
something. You are not alone. Learning new skills can take time and practice!
Breathe
Good Luck!
Donna
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