Sunday, December 1, 2019

Legally deaf nursing student who uses a wheelchair is hero trying to save BART stabbing victim


Sophia Humphrey, Nursing student

     The San Francisco Chronicle reported......"Grabbing her phone discreetly, she texted police through an app that helps deaf people communicate, telling them she needed a police response to an assault aboard a moving train.

     Brim threw more blows at Williams and wrestled him to the ground, Humphrey said. At some point, a knife emerged. Humphrey didn’t see who pulled it out, but authorities later said it belonged to Williams. She knew then the situation had changed, and could turn fatal. Instinct kicked in. At 91 pounds, she knew she could not intervene without risking her life. But she had to do something. 

     Brim stabbed Williams in the neck. Then he stabbed him again, and again. A total of five to 10 times, Humphrey estimated. Thick, dark blood pooled on the floor.

     She desperately texted police to send an ambulance and to stop the train. It pulled into the South Hayward Station and Humphrey saw Brim flee, strip off his blue hoodie and run down the stairs. 

     Humphrey dropped her phone and slipped on the plastic gloves she had in her bag. She lifted herself from her chair, lunged onto the floor and wriggled over to Williams. He was gripping the wounds on his neck, but she replaced his hands with her own to apply pressure to the wound.
     Later, Humphrey, who is trained in first aid, realized that the experience erased the doubts she had just the day before about becoming a nurse. She knew she could handle herself well in an emergency. She said she was grateful she was there."

Read more of this harrowing story at:
https://www.sfchronicle.com/crime/article/Witness-to-BART-killing-says-victim-had-defended-14853795.php

https://www.facebook.com/TheDailyMoth/videos/428104258079302/

Bravo Sophia!!!!

Donna

Sunday, October 27, 2019

Hospital disinfectants linked to lung disease in nurses




The JAMA Network Open shared the results of this important study.
"The Nurses’ Health Study II is a US prospective cohort study of 116 429 female registered nurses from 14 US states who were enrolled in 1989 and followed up through questionnaires every 2 years since. The present study included women who were still in a nursing job and had no history of COPD in 2009, and used data from the 2009 through 2015 questionnaires. Clean and complete data used for this analysis were available in July 2018, and analyses were conducted from September 2018 through August 2019.
Exposures  Occupational exposure to disinfectants, evaluated by questionnaire and a job-task-exposure matrix (JTEM).
Main Outcomes and Measures  Incident physician-diagnosed COPD evaluated by questionnaire.
Results  Among the 73 262 women included in the analyses, mean (SD) age at baseline was 54.7 (4.6) years and 70 311 (96.0%) were white, 1235 (1.7%) black, and 1716 (2.3%) other; and 1345 (1.8%) Hispanic, and 71 917 (98.2%) non-Hispanic. Based on 368 145 person-years of follow-up, 582 nurses reported incident physician-diagnosed COPD. Weekly use of disinfectants to clean surfaces only (16 786 [22.9%] of participants exposed) and to clean medical instruments (13 899 [19.0%] exposed) was associated with COPD incidence, with adjusted hazard ratios of 1.38 (95% CI, 1.13-1.68) for cleaning surfaces only and 1.31 (95% CI, 1.07-1.61) for cleaning medical instruments after adjustment for age, smoking (pack-years), race, ethnicity, and body mass index. High-level exposure, evaluated by the JTEM, to several specific disinfectants (ie, glutaraldehyde, bleach, hydrogen peroxide, alcohol, and quaternary ammonium compounds) was significantly associated with COPD incidence, with adjusted hazard ratios ranging from 1.25 (95% CI, 1.04-1.51) to 1.36 (95% CI, 1.13-1.64). Associations were not modified by smoking or asthma status (P for interaction > .15).
Conclusions and Relevance  These longitudinal results suggest that regular use of chemical disinfectants among nurses may be a risk factor for developing COPD. If future studies confirm these results, exposure-reduction strategies that are compatible with infection control in health care settings should be developed."
To read more visit:
Dumas, O., Varraso, R., Boggs, K.M. et al (2019, October 18). Association of Occupational Exposure to Disinfectants with incidence of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease among US female nurses, JAMA Network Open. doi:10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2019.13563

Stay safe!

Donna

Tuesday, October 8, 2019

Nurses who use wheelchairs are on a roll----all over the world!

     Donna Maheady APRN, EdD  

          The exact number of nurses who use wheelchairs worldwide is unknown. However, stories found in social media posts, blogs and first person accounts suggest that numbers are increasing. 
When thinking about a nurse or nursing student who uses a wheelchair, some may ask, “After completing a program, can he or she find employment?”  Alternatively, “If injured during a nursing career, can a nurse continue to work?” The experiences of the following nurses shed light.

       In the United States

 Andrea Dalzell, diagnosed with transverse myelitis when she was 5 years old, attended the nursing program at CUNY College of Staten Island in New York. During orientation to the nursing program, Andrea met with some opposition. With the knowledge of her legal rights and support from the campus disability services office, her progression in the nursing program continued. (Apple TV Star, n.d.)
“Whether it was passing finals with the highest grades, receiving exemplary feedback from patients’ families or figuring out a way to accomplish her daily responsibilities from her chair, Dalzell has done more than just show she can be a nurse; she has proven she can be an excellent one.” (United Spinal Association, n.d., para 3).
Andrea recounts the challenges surrounding learning to perform cardio pulmonary resuscitation (CPR). She knew it would not be easy with paralysis so she took up boxing to gain the necessary strength to pass the test. After graduation from nursing school, Andrea starting working as a case manager for a long-term managed care company.
Apple, Inc. asked Andrea to participate in a commercial and give a talk about how the Apple Watch helped her during nursing school and in her work as a nurse. The Apple Watch helps Andrea with reminders from Siri, allows her to be hands free as she rolls and glances at the watch, and allows her to make a phone call if a phone is out of reach. (Apple TV Star, n.d.)


  
Lindsey Runkel always wanted to be a nurse. A mountain biking accident left her paralyzed so she was hesitant to include the fact that she uses a wheelchair on her application to a nursing program. Today, she is the first paraplegic nursing student at the University of Connecticut, currently doing a clinical rotation at Stamford Hospital.
Nancy Manister, director of the accelerated second-degree nursing program at UConn stated, “She met the academic standards to enter the program, and then we met with her as part of the process of figuring out what we needed to do with Lindsey for Lindsey “We really have found that she has actually needed very little in the way of accommodations.” (UConn’s first paraplegic nursing student, 2019, para 12). When faculty put Lindsey in a nursing simulation lab, she was more than capable of performing, things like hanging IV meds, palpating the patient, and taking vital signs. Lindsey continues to impress patients, fellow students and faculty. She is ready to roll with whatever comes her way.

In the Czech Republic and Scotland

Born and raised in the Prague, Czech Republic, Marie (Bartova) Scott was injured in a horse related accident after she qualified as a nurse. At the time of her spinal cord injury (T-12 paraplegia), she was employed by the U.S. government at the embassy health center in Prague.
Marie recalled that, "The understanding and support I received from the employer and colleagues will never be forgotten. It meant so much to me to know I was still a member of the team despite my reduced mobility. Adjustments to the workplace (ramps, bathroom, cupboards and work desk) helped, but, it was mostly the positive attitude of my colleagues which broke the barriers." (Maheady, 2018 para 1,2)
Marie continued to work as a staff nurse at the US embassy health center and later took on a more senior role where she could utilize her management skills. A video of Marie working in the embassy clinic is available (Helmut 1 (2016). She spent six years there before taking a maternity leave. Her husband is Scottish and they moved their family to Scotland four years ago. Marie stated, “I am now working as a staff nurse in neuro rehabilitation units and care home settings in Scotland. With our excellent care staff, I can fulfill my role and enjoy it very much. In fact, I have been told on more than one occasion that my condition is seen as a good influence to residents and their families." (Maheady, 2018 para 3, 4)


          In England

Michelle Quested was working as a staff nurse in the neonatal cardiology department at Birmingham Children’s hospital. A car accident resulted in rupture of two discs in her lumbar spine and crushed her spinal cord. After surgeries and months of rehabilitation, she returned to work as part of a team instructing nursing students in the cardiac department.
However, Michelle longed to return to a hands-on clinical position so she began working on modifications to her wheelchair. Her chair had to be narrower to facilitate ease of movement and changed from push power to battery power. She returned to work in the hospital’s neonatal cardiology ward. (Story Trender, 2017).
Reactions from children in the hospital and their parents have been positive. She reports that, “Whenever children ask me about being in a wheelchair, I tell them that I have poorly legs like they have a poorly heart, and it helps them to understand. “It does not faze them at all.” (Story Trender, 2017, line 48)

                  In Thailand

Kannika “Yew” Sriwija, was injured one month from completion of her nursing program. The injury paralyzed the lower half of her body and forced her to quit college. She spent over a year recovering and learning to live a normal life using a wheelchair.
 While in rehabilitation, she started a Facebook page to inspire others who were struggling with similar issues. She now has 39,343 followers and a video, “The stronger” on YouTube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tgJ_Wh8wxL4&feature=youtu.be&fbclid=IwAR1Gl-beRBP81rzUHRvXVcyf_Na5at3zkR6H5gV1fo46ovycnNd3fzWG7lw
During her treatment, she volunteered as a consultant with patients in the hospital. This experience and the support of the hospital and her doctor motivated her to continue her studies, Kannika returned to school and graduated in 2018. She is now working full-time at San Sai Hospital (City News, 2018).

Summary
Essential elements, for the success of these nurses who use wheelchairs, include motivation, perseverance, adapted equipment/technology, volunteer work and support from faculty, disability services staffers, doctors, workplace peers and administrators.

Cliché or not, if there is a will there is a way! Roll on nurses!



References
Apple TV Star Andrea Dalzell Fought Transverse Myelitis to Become a Nurse (n.d.) Retrieved on September 10, 2019 at https://curemedical.com/andrea-dalzell-is-a-force-to-be-reckoned-with/
City News (2018). Inspiring story of nurse in wheelchair. Retrieved on August 1, 2019 at https://www.chiangmaicitylife.com/citynews/local/inspiring-story-nurse-wheelchair/
Helmut 1 (2016, January 8) Paraplegic nurse, horse accident [Video file]. Retrieved on September 1, 2019 at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QtevJbLDijA
Maheady, D. (2018). Marie Scott moves forward as a U.S. Embassy nurse after a spinal cord injury [Blog post]. Retrieved on August 31, 2019 at https://exceptionalnurse.blogspot.com/2018/06/marie-scott-moves-forward-as-us-embassy.html
Story Trender (2017). UK’s First Frontline Nurse in A Wheelchair. Retrieved on August 31, 2019 at http://www.storytrender.com/7781/uks-first-frontline-nurse-wheelchair/
UConn’s first paraplegic nursing student inspires students and faculty (2019) Retrieved on September 10, 2019 at https://fox61.com/2019/05/19/uconns-first-paraplegic-nursing-student-inspires-students-and-faculty/
United Spinal Association (n.d). Andrea Dalzell: Ignoring Doubters. Retrieved on September 20, 2019 at https://www.unitedspinal.org/andrea-dalzell-ignoring-doubters/

Monday, September 30, 2019

For nurses who can't get the flu shot or don't want the flu shot


"If you opt not to get the flu vaccination, do you really want to wear a scratchy, paper mask for a 12 hour shift in order to protect yourself and others? Traditional paper masks, to be effective need to be changed every 2-3 hours, per the Centers for Disease and Control. Noel Kelsch in her article, Changing Masks, in Registered Dental Hygiene recommends that masks should be changed every 20 minutes in a wet environment, every 60 minutes in a non-aerosol environment, and between patients so providers do not pass bio-burdens from one patient to another."
Traditional masks can make the care provider feel separate and cut off from co-workers, patients and clients. Traditional face masks can also stifle the provider's speech, which hampers patient comprehension of what is being said."
Fortunately, there is a solution that allows you to still have comfortable mask protection that fosters connection and clear communication.

The solution?

"The Communicator mask with a clear window is designed to provide inclusion and accessibility while maintaining the ASTM Level 1 standard of care. We encourage all readers to discuss your medical history with your medical provider to determine whether a flu vaccination is right for you. Whatever your reason to consider forgoing the influenza vaccination, you can still protect yourself by wearing mask protection!"

"Get The Communicator mask to protect yourself, protect others, and keep the lines of communication open!"

Read more about the "Communicator mask" in an article written by Dr. Anne McIntosh, President of Safe 'N' Clear.
Cheers!
Donna

Tuesday, September 24, 2019

Nothing comes easy! A message from Shaquill and Shaquem Griffin to nurses with one hand


"Nothing comes easy" 

According to the book publisher's notes, "that's been the motto for twin brothers Shaquill and Shaquem Griffin ever since they were kids dreaming of future glory in the National Football League. And that's the path they still follow each day. Rain or shine, in season and out of season, no matter what tries to stand in their way. You have to put in the work, because nobody can earn it for you. "Inseparable" is the Griffin brothers' story of working together to overcome every obstacle in their path." 

"And there have been plenty of obstacles-from striving to stand out in Pinellas County, Florida, to navigating prejudice and dishonest coaches, to Shaquem working through his limb difference to become the first player drafted into the modern NFL with only one hand."

It may not be easy, but it can be done!

Cheers!

Donna

The book "Inseparable" is available at:
https://smile.amazon.com/Inseparable-Family-Sacrifice-Forged-Path/dp/0785230815/ref=tmm_hrd_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=1569252388&sr=1-1

Monday, September 9, 2019

Nursing student with a rare disorder featured on the Netflix series "Diagnosis"




In season 1, episode 1 "Detective work", Angel is a 23 year old nursing student who suffers from episodes of muscle pain so severe she often can't move. In order to move forward with her life and begin her nursing career, she needs answers. 

Dr. Lisa Sanders used crowd-sourcing to help Angel find a diagnosis. Angel's story is part of a documentary series based on Dr. Sanders column in the New York Times magazine. Dr. Sanders uses crowd sources to find diagnoses for rare and mysterious conditions.

A fascinating documentary series, this episode sheds light on the determination of a nursing student!

Bravo Angel!!!!

Cheers!

Donna

https://www.netflix.com/Title/80201543

Saturday, August 24, 2019

A nurse with albinism and vision impairment


Ashley and Matt


Matt is a nurse and in a video called, "What we do for a living: Jobs and Careers", he shares candid information about becoming a nurse with albinism and offers some advice for others interested in a career in nursing. Matt has worked in hospitals and now works as a supervisor in home health. A magnifier and pocket organizer are essential for his practice.

Take a look at:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y6KxYN727ec&t=13s

https://www.youtube.com/user/ashleymatt720/feed

With thanks for all you do.

Cheers!

Donna

Sunday, August 4, 2019

Congratulations to the 2019 www.ExceptionalNurse.com Scholarship recipients!




Nursing students with a wide range of disabilities are increasing in number every year. Disabilities may include hearing loss, low vision, learning disabilities, limb differences, paralysis, mental illness, autism and chronic conditions such as multiple sclerosis, lupus and movement disorders.

Financing an education can be a challenge for some students with disabilities. In addition to routine expenses (tuition, room and board, books, uniforms, transportation), some students may need to purchase an amplified or electronic stethoscope, computer software programs, or audio books—as well as medications, hearing aids, therapies, prostheses, special equipment or custom alterations to uniforms and lab coats. Working a part-time job may not be possible.

Scholarships are available from ExceptionalNurse.com, a nonprofit resource network for nursing students and nurses with disabilities. The organization provides links to disability-related organizations, technology, equipment, financial aid, employment opportunities, mentors, blogs, continuing education, a speaker’s bureau, legal resources, social media groups, research and related articles.

The organization has been awarding scholarships to nursing students with disabilities since 2003. The awards are based on academic performance, letters of recommendation, financial need and an essay which answers the questions: “How do you plan to contribute to the nursing profession? How will your disability influence your practice as a nurse”? The awards this year were $250.00-$500.00.

ExceptionalNurse.com is honored to announce the winners for 2019!!!
          
Katlyn Hosa from Boardman, Ohio will be attending the Youngston State University in Ohio. In her essay she stated, "I have made it my life goal to use my "disability" as something to enable me to reach people that others cannot connect with on the same level".

Allison Bartlebaugh from Akron, Ohio is attending Duquesne University in Pittsburg, PA. In her essay she wrote, "...I hope to be an advocate for others as a way to increase understanding and reduce fears".

Ronald Pan, R.N. from Cerritos, CA is attending the nurse practitioner program at the University of California, Los Angeles. In his essay he wrote, "I have decided to become an advanced practice nurse to become a health advocate for people with disabilities,. Indeed, I have clarity on my life's purpose..."

Mackenzie Strubhar from Hummelstown, PA is attending Duquesne University in Pittsburg, PA. In her essay she recounted, "I am aware of how scary it is to be on the other side of the clipboard and it will be my mission to make sure all my patients are comfortable with me and the care they are receiving."

Danika Peterson from Montesano, WA will be attending Saint Martin's University in Washington. In her essay she stated,"I know how terrifying a diagnosis can be, and how overwhelming it can be as well. Because I have been through this myself, I can bring that understanding into my interactions with patients and their families. I can honestly say, that I know, I understand and I have been where they are." 

Caroline Stevens from Monterey, LA will be attending Louisiana Tech University. Caroline wrote, "I have completed coursework through the Central Louisiana Technical and Community College in Patient Care Technology. Watching patients with cancer fight and struggle is one influence on my career choice.

Abbigale Suprenant from Springfield, IL will be attending the University of Missouri-St. Louis. Abbigale stated, "Since I have experience with a life-threatening illness, I want to be there to help other children who are going through similar experiences and be the nurse who makes sure all the children are getting the best care possible."

Anna Smith from Normal, IL is attending Illinois State University. "It's time to end the stigma. People with disabilities deserve to be treated with respect and given the chance to prove that they have just as big hearts as nurses without disabilities, and that they can be just as great, or even better, nurses."
                                     Congratulations and best wishes to all!! 

The ExceptionalNurse.com scholarship awards are funded through donations, small grants and proceeds from book sales of “The Exceptional Nurse: Tales from the trenches of truly resilient nurses working with disabilities”, “Leave No Nurse Behind: Nurses working with disabilities” , “Nursing students with disabilities change the course” and the coloring book "I am a nurse: Color me Exceptional! To make a donation, please visit http://www.exceptionalnurse.com/makeadonation.php


The scholarship application can be downloaded: 


Appreciate your support!

            With thanks, 


Donna

Wednesday, July 31, 2019

What if I am reported to the Texas Nursing Board and fired? Straight talk from Joe Flores, nurse practitioner and attorney




The Termination
1. You have rights under Texas and Federal Law. Get an employment law consult within 1 week of termination.
2. If you have seen fraud or been asked to document fraudulently, write down details including who said what, where, when, how. Even write down patient names and try to remember room numbers. HIPPA does not apply to the federal and state agencies I will plug you in with.
3. Did your employer violate Medicare/Medicaid rules? Services not rendered? You may not have the power but your lawyer and the government do.
4. Get a Texas Workforce Hearing with your lawyer at your side. It is recorded sworn testimony that can be used for an employment lawsuit later.
****Please note that lawsuits are not easily won-especially in labor law. Often even a small settlement with a positive letter of rehire is a major victory. Losing cases is a reality before they really get going. Fraud, sexual harassment with witnesses and a past pattern are the strongest cases. The EMR "gotcha" write up game is the easiest way a nurse is railroaded and deemed unsafe by employers.

I am general counsel for employers but do not play those games. If there is ethical room, I offer the option to resign and if it is a minor incident found by the peer review committee than no board complaint.
The Board Complaint
 You may receive a Board Complaint especially if fired or a  negative outcome occurred. The law requires reporting of terminated nurses but facilities rarely give due process-- which includes proper peer review under the Health Care Quality Improvement Act. Seldom do facilities follow proper employment or BON rules. 

BON's Standard Policy
"We don't get involved in employment issues"
The Board's position is VERY slowly changing, but for now they don't get involved with employment issues. You can argue this issue but you could risk looking like someone who thinks everyone is always out to get them...and you are innocent. 

The BON wants to hear mitigating circumstances not excuses or finger pointing. The "Ain't Fair Law" if it ever existed, never or seldom if ever works. The Board's job is to make sure a nurse practices safely and if you catch a complain, your job is to convince them you are safe. Very safe. 
The Machines
EMR/MAR the electronic shield vs. sword. Nurses get tarred and feathered all the time by the EMR/MAR game. While others in the same group where you worked may have gotten away with murder, you may have be singled out for complaining justly about poor staffing, danger to patients, abusive supervisors or physicians being bullies, etc. 

You are the problem for whistle blowing? The irony: they are the problem yet you are the danger. Everyone makes documentation and med documentation errors. The EMR in my opinion, not because I am over 40, is a real pain in the A__. It takes away from real patient care by at least 10 percent. What a waste of time and it dehumanizes the nurse/patient relationship. In all fairness, the government first gave a carrot then the stick unless doctors and institutions played ball and used EMR a decade-plus ago. A multi-billion dollar industry is what it is now.  
More about the Board Complaint 
They give you 20 days to not only get over the stress ulcer and near MI that the complaint (which will make you sound like the worst nurse on the planet as you read the allegation(s))gives you, but also the lock starts ticking the date on the document--not when received. Do not get into long winded free-advice seeking conferences with the Board investigator that signed the complaint. I know their boss, Tony Diggs, big Chief Investigator. It will only make your case worse.

What if I do not go and pick up the certified letter? Now is not the time to bury your head in the sand. Pick up the letter from the post office! 
                                                    Now what?
Do not go out and spend thousands on a lawyer who handles car wrecks. You do not go to an OB/GYN or procto for a growth you saw on our shoulder that is asymmetrical, versicolor, over 5 millimeters and irregularly shaped or to a procto for a board complaint! 
Get a Qualified Attorney 
Get a lawyer who is known for nurse board cases (and, NO! This is not a solicitation--I have colleagues I trust that I can refer you to if you cannot decide on someone...but that takes 1-3 hours out of my staff and my day so I do bill administratively for the 40+ requests per week). 
The Smart Move 
Get a consult first. Translation: Ask for an hour or two ($250-$600) before you buy the whole enchilada. You can see if  you are a good fit or not. Well worth it. 

Why should I pay for a consult much less someone to defend me? Want to learn more? Email info@floreslawfirm.com to receive a free copy of this chapter.  

****Note: The views expressed in this article are solely the opinions of Joe Flores, JD, Family Nurse Practitioner and do not reflect the views of www.ExceptionalNurse.com. Mr. Flores is not selling anything. This is part of 120 plus hours of work he is doing for the Texas Bar Pro Bono College.  

With thanks for all you do Joe!

Donna

Thursday, July 18, 2019

I am a nurse: Color me Exceptional!


     For adults and children, this coloring book is a celebration of abilities! Twenty-three nurses are illustrated working in a wide variety of healthcare settings. All of the nurses have visible or invisible disabilities. The nurses (names have been changed) represent real-life nurses in a variety of practice settings. The nurses are members of support groups connected to the non-profit resource network, www.ExceptionalNurse.com. We hope to inspire future nurses with and without disabilities and encourage nurses who become disabled to continue to practice. A career in nursing is filled with endless possibilities. Proceeds of the coloring book sales support a scholarship program for nursing students with disabilities. 
     Please enjoy coloring these Exceptional Nurses! 

Cheers! 

Donna


https://smile.amazon.com/dp/107519606X/ref=sr_1_1?keywords=color+me+exceptional&qid=1563462644&s=books&sr=1-1

Tuesday, July 2, 2019

Think you can't do something? Take a look at Manami Ito, the first nurse in Japan with a prosthetic arm



 Nurse Manami Ito


Violinist Manami Ito


Paralympic swimmer


Mom

Much has been written about Manami Ito. She has become an inspiration to so many people! After losing her arm, she went on to finish nursing school and become a winning, Paralympic swimmer, violinist and mother! 

"She lost her right arm in a car accident in 2004, but in the years to follow, this 33-year-old has accomplished more than most of her able-bodied counterparts could ever dream". 

Here are links to stories written about her accomplishments. 


Bravo Manami! 

Cheers! 

Donna



https://www.inspiremore.com/manami-ito-one-armed-violinist/

https://youtu.be/74VZ7f4dsTU


https://thekidshouldseethis.com/post/manami-ito-plays-violin-prosthetic-arm

Thursday, June 13, 2019

How Study.com is making NCLEX Test Prep Accessible to Diverse Learners




The NCLEX examination represents the culmination of many years of hard work dedicated to the study of nursing. It is the final obstacle between studying and actually working as a Registered Nurse or Licensed Practical Nurse. The NCLEX is a challenging, application-based exam, where traditional rote-learning study techniques will likely be minimally effective. Testers with learning difficulties may find preparing for the NCLEX particularly overwhelming – testers like Robert, for example.

Robert is a nursing student with ADHD who finds it challenging to focus on one task for extended periods. This affects his ability to recall specific details and to manage his time effectively. These ADHD-related symptoms have in the past made it difficult for Robert to be successful on standardized tests, and he is concerned that they will also affect his success on the NCLEX. Since the NCLEX is a computer-adaptive test that can last for up to six hours, testers are required to be deliberate in how much time they allot to each question. For testers like Robert, it can be frustrating to prepare independently for such an exam, particularly when many test preparation resources do not account for testers with learning difficulties.

This doesn’t mean that students like Robert can’t be successful on the NCLEX, or that preparing for the NCLEX has to be an exercise in frustration. There are resources that can help students with learning difficulties; the extremely comprehensive NCLEX preparation resource developed by Study.com is one such example. The Study.com NCLEX resource is much more than just a practice test – it’s really more of a practice hub, designed with all variety of learners in mind.

To begin with, both the Study.com NCLEX-RN and NCLEX-PN study guides are more than just topic outlines and key word definitions. In fact, each guide is a fully-developed curriculum that supports each of the concepts tested on the NCLEX-RN and NCLEX-PN exams. The guides are broken down into distinct chapters, each centered on a different aspect of nursing. Within each chapter are video lessons that elaborate on the principal ideas relative to each chapter’s theme, flash cards for reviewing key terms, and quizzes and practice tests.

For test takers with learning difficulties, particularly those that affect executive functions like attention, memory, and organization, this compartmentalized approach makes preparing for the NCLEX much more manageable. All lessons are marked with a timestamp, so testers can organize their study time before even beginning a study session. The videos are close-captioned and can be sped up or slowed down to better suit the needs of each learner; this feature is particularly useful for testers who face challenges with reading or with auditory processing, as it allows the viewer to simultaneously read and hear the information. There are also well-organized written transcripts for the video lessons available just under the video player.

When it comes to preparing for the exam itself, Study.com’s NCLEX resources help establish a strong foundation of knowledge by including quizzes within each lesson. The lesson quizzes are comprised of 30 multiple choice questions, with the ability to skip and come back to certain questions as necessary. There is a timer embedded on the quiz page, to provide learners like Robert a visual reminder that can help them regain focus and manage their time efficiently. That each quiz targets only one major concept at a time is also an effective way to target students’ attention and boost recall, which can be areas of difficulty for students who face learning challenges.

Finally, each Study.com NCLEX preparation guide offers a 50-question cumulative practice test. The practice test covers all topics previously addressed during the course and, like the shorter lesson quizzes, comes equipped with a timer. Wrong answers receive a detailed video explanation to clear up misunderstandings, and a link back to the lesson where the topic was initially covered for further review of potentially tricky material.

Of course, the Study.com NCLEX preparation guides are not just for test takers with learning difficulties. However, they are unique in that they account for the needs of an increasingly diverse candidate pool and ensure that all aspiring nurses go into the NCLEX as prepared and equipped for success as possible.  

Visit https://study.com for more information

Cheers,

Donna

*This post was sponsored by Study.com






Sunday, June 9, 2019

Meet the Rollin' RNs!




Nothing stopping these two nurses!!!!

Rollin' RN Patty states, 

"As a 1983 graduate, I've been nursing for quite a while. In 2009, my husband and I were in a car accident that left me paralyzed from T3-4 complete paraplegic. I wasn't ready to hang up my nursing cap, so I created the Rollin RN on Facebook and write in an easy to understand manner on medical topics that the spinal cord injury folks may have difficulty understanding." 

"In 2015, another RN with a spinal cord injury joined me in writing articles. We write purely from our heart on topics we find that lead to confusion on SCI Facebook groups. We are now "The Rollin RNs"."




The Rollin RNs can be found on Facebook athttps://www.facebook.com/rollinrn/


Bravo and Roll on!

Donna

Tuesday, May 7, 2019

Let's celebrate nurses with disabilities during Nurses Week





This slide show was created, over 9 years ago, by www.ExceptionalNurse.com, as a tribute to nurses with disabilities for Nurses Week.

It features nurses from all over the USA who have various disabilities. The show is a celebration of ability!

For those included in the slide show, please update us.




Cheers!

Donna

Saturday, April 13, 2019

Examples of reasonable accommodations for nursing students with disabilities




Often nursing students with disabilities ask, "What accommodations or adjustments can I request?" Some students are unaware of what is possible. 

"The appropriate academic adjustment must be determined based on your disability and individual needs. Academic adjustments may include auxiliary aids and services, as well as modifications to academic requirements as necessary to ensure equal educational opportunity. Examples of adjustments are: arranging for priority registration; reducing a course load; substituting one course for another; providing note takers, recording devices, sign language interpreters, extended time for testing, and, if telephones are provided in dorm rooms, a TTY in your dorm room; and equipping school computers with screen-reading, voice recognition, or other adaptive software or hardware" (U.S. Department of Education, 2011, para 12). 

But what about accommodations or adjustments specific to nursing students?

Nursing students and campus disability services staffers were asked, "What accommodations have been provided to nursing students with disabilities?" The responses included the following:
     Note taker for lectures 
Extra time for review of charts in clinical
Extra time for tests
Distraction free testing
Reader for exams
Frequent breaks
Audio books, Audio recording 
Magnifier
Extended or open-ended time for demonstration of skills
Second person to be the "other hand" during a catheterization
Wearable microphone connected via Blue Tooth to hearing aids
Amplified/electronic stethoscope
FM system for clinical
Sign language interpreter
Service dog       
...............................................          

References
U.S. Department of Education, Office for Civil Rights (2011). Students with Disabilities Preparing for Postsecondary Education: Know Your Rights and Responsibilities. Retrieved on April 12, 2019 from https://www2.ed.gov/about/offices/list/ocr/transition.html

Cheers!

Donna
P.S. Please feel free to add to this list.

Tuesday, March 19, 2019

SafeNClear "The Communicator Mask": A continuing education program for nurses



Want to learn more about The Communicator Mask and earn 1.0 ceu? Here is your chance to learn from the creator of the mask, Dr. Anne McIntosh, President of SafeNClear!

Upon completion of this self-paced continuing education program, the participant will be able to:
Identify needs of patients with hearing loss
Recognize the importance of facial expressions for visual communicators
Identify ways to avoid muffled speech
List common characteristics of sign language users 

Compare and contrast masks with clear windows to 
        traditional masks.

Dr. Anne McIntosh has a BA in Speech Communication from UNC Chapel Hill, an MA in Interpersonal Communication from University of Montana at Missoula and a PhD in Communication Sciences and Disorders from University of Texas at Austin.


ExceptionalNurse.com is a State of California, Board of Nursing continuing education provider No. CEP14352

The cost of the program is $10.00 (click on Paypal link). Proceeds help to support our scholarships to nursing students with hearing loss. When payment is received you will receive a link to a power point presentation and other materials. 
Please complete the Post-Test (a score of 80% is required to pass) and the course evaluation form and email both to ExceptionalNurse@aol.com.
If a passing score is achieved, your certificate will be sent back via email.
Here's to clearer communication!

Donna