Emily Katy discovers she is autistic at 16 years old and later becomes a nurse

 

Amazon.com states, "To the outside world, Emily looks like a typical girl, with a normal family, living an ordinary life. But inside, Emily does not feel typical, and the older she gets, the more she realises that she is different. As she finally discovers when she is 16, Emily is autistic. Girl Unmasked is the extraordinary story of how she got there - and how she very nearly didn't.

Still only 21, Emily writes with startling candour about the years leading up to her diagnosis. How books and imagination became her refuge as she sought to escape the increasing anxiety and unbearable stresses of school life; how her OCD almost destroyed her; how a system which did not understand autism let her down; and how she came so close to the edge that she and her family thought she would never survive.

In this simple but powerful memoir, we see how family and friends became her lifeline and how, post-diagnosis, Emily came to understand her authentic self and begin to turn her life around, eventually becoming a mental health nurse with a desire to help others where she herself had once been failed."

Read more at: https://amzn.to/3VBgtgA

Cheers!

Donna

Lessons from a school nurse with diabetes and limb loss

 

Lakeisha Jacobs, RN shared her story in an article for "Living with Amplitude".

"I was always an overweight child, weighing 280 pounds when I was only 11. I had respiratory problems and was not as active as I should have been. And my brother and I grew up poor in a single mother’s household, so we ate only what we could afford. That included too many carbohydrates and sugary drinks."  

"Before I reached my 12th birthday, I was diagnosed with type 2 diabetes. I can remember the doctors actually scratching their heads. Back then, it was uncommon for anyone under 40 years old to receive this diagnosis. And I was just a child! Maybe this is why they did not aggressively push me to improve my diet and get more exercise. I was such a rare case, they didn’t know what to do with me."  

"My own school nurses didn’t know what to do with me, either. Instead of teaching me about nutrition and fitness, most attempted to put me on harsh, restrictive diets. They seemed to want to punish me for my weight, rather than teach me a healthier lifestyle. I was constantly told I was too fat. These cruel words came from the mouths not only of nurses but also teachers, doctors, and especially my peers. Instead of steering me toward better choices, their criticism just made me feel lonely, which pushed me toward the wrong foods for comfort."  

Read more of Lakeisha Jacobs' story at:

https://livingwithamplitude.com/article/diabetes-education-limb-loss-lakeisha-jacobs/

Cheers!

Donna

An invitation to a deeper dive into disability related issues for nurses

 

Hi all!

I wanted to let Exceptional Nurse followers know that I am now writing on Substack along with blogging here (that is not changing).

If you are interested in a "deeper dive" into disability related issues of today, please consider subscribing. It is free and I would love your support.

https://substack.com/@exceptionalnurse/note/p-151946089?utm_source=notes-share-action&r=xs4hq

With thanks, 

Donna

A message from Justin Dart father of the ADA........ Vote!

 

Let's get this done!

Donna

Having Cystic Fibrosis motivated Annaka Haynes to become a nurse

 

Annaka Haynes shared her journey in a "CF Community Blog" post.

"Managing nursing school and my health has been one of the hardest challenges I have ever taken on. Nursing school is difficult on its own, but adding a chronic lung disease on top of it doesn’t make it any easier. I had amazing results after I first started Trikafta, and my lungs continued to respond well to the medication. Sometimes I would forget that I had CF, and it was nice to forget. During my first year of college, I tried to do everything my roommates were doing — and often ended up sick. Living in the dorms probably didn’t help. But at the time, my lungs were still keeping up for the most part."

"My second year began (first semester of nursing school), and school became way more stressful. I spent many late nights studying and doing homework, tried to have fun as any college kid does, struggled to find time for my health, and found myself sick again. But this time, I was sick for a few months instead of a few weeks. Instead of enjoying my holiday break, I spent it in the hospital, and then at home doing IV antibiotics. It was so frustrating, but I knew that I could have prevented this." 

Read more at: https://www.cff.org/community-posts/2024-03/becoming-nurse-advocate-patients

Cheers!

Donna

Nurse amputee attempts wheelchair world record

 

Lili Sheppard reported this story for BBC News, Somerset.

"An ex-nurse is attempting to set a new world record by travelling from John O’Groats to Land's End in 45 days using a standard wheelchair."

"Army veteran Lexi Chambers has fibromyalgia and complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS) - with the latter resulting in her leg being amputated three years ago."

"She has four world records to her name and hopes to add another in her upcoming fundraiser called End 2 End The Rugby Relay."

"My goal is to inspire by demonstrating that despite adversity, achieving dreams is possible," said Ms Chambers.

Read more at: https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cy0rwzd0r1do

Cheers!

Donna

Dalton Cummins, cancer survivor, becomes a nurse at hospital where he was a patient

People magazine reported this story written by Hilary Shenfeld. It was published on October 5, 2024.

"Nurse Dalton Cummins can truly relate to his oncology patients at Riley Hospital for Children. After all, he was once a patient there himself, battling two different forms of cancer and coming close to death more than once."

"Cummins, now 24, was first diagnosed with lymphoma at age 19 after what he initially thought was a case of COVID-19. He underwent successful treatment at the Indianapolis children's hospital, only to be struck again a few months later with a different form of the disease."

"Now recovered, Cummins is back in the cancer unit but instead of lying in a bed hooked up to tubes and monitors, he is the one tending to young children, some of whom might be reluctant to take their medicines, just as he once was."

Read the original article on People.

Cheers!

Donna

New resource for nurses from JAN: "A situations and solutions finder" provides examples of workplace accommodation scenarios

 

"The Situations and Solutions Finder draws on information collected from JAN customers. JAN receives this information from customers who choose to provide feedback, usually in an email or through an ongoing survey conducted by JAN where employers contribute information about workplace accommodations. Participating employers represent government agencies and diverse industry sectors, including healthcare, education, manufacturing, service, wholesale/retail sales, etc., and span from very small businesses to global corporations. According to JAN survey findings, workplace accommodations are typically low-cost and positively impact the workplace in many ways. To learn about the costs and benefits associated with workplace accommodations, read Workplace Accommodations: Low Cost, High Impact."

"The situations and solutions included in the Situations and Solutions Finder are examples of accommodations that were made by JAN customers. Because accommodations are made on a case-by-case basis, these examples may not be effective for every individual or workplace but offer ideas about the types of accommodations that may be possible. The Situations and Solutions Finder lets users explore various accommodation scenarios by searching for examples based on Disability, Limitation, and Occupation. Various disabilities and health conditions are represented. JAN offers practical guidance on workplace accommodations and information about the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) employment provisions but does not provide legal advice or determine if a health condition qualifies as a disability under the ADA. Examples in the Situations and Solutions Finder do not imply any specific condition is a disability."

"It's important to note that the Situations and Solutions Finder is not a comprehensive resource for accommodation information. For answers to specific questions about workplace accommodation situations, contact JAN directly for a free consultation, and/or use JAN’s A to Z resources."

Check it out at https://askjan.org/sitsol/index.cfm

Cheers!

Donna

Congratulations to Chloe Hammond!! UK nurse with service dog "Ocho" wins award!

 

Chloe Hammond, Service dog "Ocho" and Paula Hoggarth, Group Operations Director at Radis Community Care
Chloe Hammond shared the following regarding her award:

"I am thrilled and humbled to share that I have been honored as the Outstanding Female Disability Champion at the The Women's Awards (West Midlands). This recognition means the world to me, and I’d like to take a moment to reflect on my journey, the challenges I’ve faced, and the unwavering support that has fueled my passion."

"A Career Like No Other, Nursing is not just a profession; it’s a calling. As a nurse, I’ve witnessed both the joys and heartaches of life. The long hours, emotional strain, and physical demands can be overwhelming. But every day, I start work with determination, knowing that I am making a difference in someone’s life. It’s a privilege to care for others during their most vulnerable moments, especially for an amazing equal opportunities employer like Radis Community Care!"

"Being disabled adds an extra layer of complexity to my role. The physical challenges are real—I navigate my role in my wheelchair, finding creative solutions to ensure patient comfort. But it’s the invisible battles—the resilience required to overcome societal misconceptions and biases—that truly test me. I’ve learned that strength isn’t just about physical ability; it’s about the courage to defy limitations."

"Being a disabled nurse feels near impossible at times. The stares, the doubts, the logistical hurdles—it’s a constant uphill climb. But I refuse to let my disability define me. Instead, I channel my energy into providing compassionate care. When a patient smiles, when a family member finds solace in my words, I know I’m doing something right and that’s what matters most."

"My Loyal Assistant My faithful companion, Ocho, deserves a special mention. He’s not just a dog; he’s my partner in healing, my team mate. Ocho knows my needs (physical and mental). He offers comfort during tough shifts, and reminds me to find joy in small moments. Together, we spread positivity. Thank you Dog A.I.D. (Assistance In Disability) for making this possible."

"To my colleagues, mentors, and friends—thank you. Your unwavering support has carried me through the toughest days. To my family, who sees beyond my disability and loves me unconditionally, I am forever grateful. And to my patients past present and future, you are my motivation."

"Moving Forward, As I “stand” here, an Outstanding Female Disability Champion, I promise to keep pushing boundaries. I won’t let my wheelchair be a barrier; it’s a vehicle for change. Let’s redefine what’s possible. Together, we can create a more inclusive world—one where compassion knows no bounds. Thank you, everyone, for being part of my journey. Your love and support fuel my determination. Let’s continue making a difference, one caring gesture at a time."

With gratitude, 

Chloë Hammond (Wheelie Nurse)

https://www.linkedin.com/posts/wheelienurse_disabilitychampion-nurselife-resilience-activity-7245732355145875456-a-eY/?utm_source=share&utm_medium=member_ios

Unapologetically Me! Award winning Disabled Nurse and Qualified Assistance dog trainer Follow us on Instagram: @wheelie.nurse.with.a.dog & @WatchOchoGrow

hashtag#DisabilityChampion hashtag#NurseLife hashtag#Resilience hashtag#InclusionMatters

Cheers!

Donna

Myasthenia Gravis didn't stop this determined nurse!

Stacy shared her journey in "MG Stories".

"Medical research has taught me that I’m both inquisitive and an advocate. I enjoy working with patients who feel like the medical system has historically been working against them. It’s my goal to help them understand that everyone is not out injure patients or make a name for themselves. The ultimate goal is to help make the world a better place than we found it. It’s okay to donate an organ or participate in a clinical trial. And without people being brave enough to try, there is truly no hope for helping others who seek help on their own journey down our path."

"Because I was never discouraged by my mom or told what I couldn’t do or be, it never occurred to me that I wouldn’t survive the first time the MG bell rang. I’ve learned to live my life in appreciation of those who helped me and those who did not survive. I do things that make me feel better – like exercising, staying hydrated, keeping my mind active, and protecting myself with masks and yearly vaccinations. I learned that nutrition matters, stopping the cycle of “Feeling tired --> drinking a soda/eating candy --> falling asleep --> feeling tired --> repeat.” I figured out which foods flare my myasthenia and what makes me feel better. I decided that I was important. I’ve lost a lot of weight and am no longer an insulin-dependent diabetic or requiring constant oxygen. It’s definitely taking me time to get used to the changes, but this is a good change." 

"I always say, “I don’t get frustrated – I get determined.” MG is sneaky and allows you fall into the trap of depression and hopelessness. Having a rare disease is not a ticket to wallow – it’s the opportunity to overcome. I was told I would never live a month, graduate high school, graduate college, walk without braces or use a wheelchair, drive a car, travel. I try to find a way around the limitations I know in order to live my best life. While there are some limitations MG and you don’t want to hurt yourself, YOU are your own best advocate and voice of how you feel." 

Read more about Stacy's journey at A Life with Myasthenia Gravis – A Nurse’s Perspective

Cheers!

Donna

Docs With Disabilities Initiative: An extensive resource for doctors, nurses and other healthcare professionals with disabilities!

 

This initiative is a collection of resources for doctors, nurses and other health care professionals with disabilities. 

"The Docs with Disabilities Initiative (DWDI) values diversity in all its forms and is committed to supporting the unique identities our team and community bring. To develop the next generation of medical and health science professionals, we believe in embracing justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion while ensuring intentional representation across race, ethnicity, gender identity, sexual orientation, socioeconomic status, language, culture, disability status, and more."

Resources include:

Research

Publications

Podcasts

Videos

Technical Standards 

(AIM) Access in Medicine

(AIN) Access in Nursing

Research Lab

And more....

* Join their email list to receive news and updates.

https://www.docswithdisabilities.org

#DocsWithDisabilities

Cheers!

Donna

Army veteran, Reggie Santiago, receives Daisy Award for being extraordinary nursing student

 

ECU News Services reported this story about Reggie Santiago.

"His second four-year enlistment ended with pride, but the transition back to civilian life wasn’t easy. Over the course of the next two years he held 11 jobs, including sales positions which he says he did well at, but life was starting to get the upper hand.

“I got into a major depression. My mom passed away and things weren’t going right. I wasn’t happy with my career, and it took my girlfriend at the time to kick me out. She said, ‘Look, you need to get your life together,’ Santiago remembered.

A chance meeting with a former Army friend got him back on track — a job training Special Operations medics awaited if he completed paramedic training, which instilled in Santiago the confidence to trust his academic abilities while relying on his military medical training.

“I was able to get into the vocational rehab program through the VA, which is how I wound up getting into nursing. I got my ADN through a paramedic to RN bridge course,” Santiago said.

And who doesn’t love a happy ending?"

Read more at:

https://news.ecu.edu/2024/05/15/army-veteran-honored-as-extraordinary-nursing-student/

Cheers!

Donna

A child with nephrotic syndrome grows up to become a nurse

 

Rarediseaseday.org reported this story. Grace is 23 years old and a registered nurse.

"I was diagnosed with nephrotic syndrome when I was 9, and have been in and out of remission ever since. This illness causes me to rapidly gain water weight to the point it stretches out my skin and I can barely walk. To treat it, I have been put on high doses of steroids, immunosuppressants, statins and several types of chemotherapy. These medications caused severe weight gain, frequent illnesses from low immunity, hair loss, acne, and more. When I was 15, I wrote a patient guide for newly diagnosed Nephrotic syndrome patients that was published by an international nonprofit dedicated to raising awareness for the disease. 

I also did a research project when I was 17. I surveyed patients from different countries on their side effects of the medications they had to take, and the effects of those side effects on their emotional health then presented the results at a symposium. 

I decided to become a nurse because I know what it’s like to be in the hospital for weeks at a time and suffer from the side effects of the many medications Nephrotic syndrome patients must take. Side effects are a whole other disease itself." 

From Nephrotic to Nurse - Rare Disease Day 2025

Cheers!

Donna

Shone’s complex, a congenital heart defect, didn't stop this PICU nurse!

    

UI Healthcare reported this story.

Margaret “Maggie” Behounek is a nurse in the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU) at University of Iowa Stead Family Children’s Hospital who connects with her patients and their families on a personal level. That’s because she was once a patient, too.

Immediately after Maggie was born, she was transferred to UI Stead Family Children’s Hospital where doctors discovered she had Shone’s complex, a congenital heart defect resulting in the narrowing of the aorta, which carries blood and nutrients to the rest of the body. Maggie had her first surgery at 11 months old to fix her aorta. 

All told, Maggie underwent five major surgeries to fix her congenital heart defect, and she expects she will need another surgery in the coming years to fix her pulmonary valve, which carries oxygen-poor blood to the lungs. Currently, the valve leaks blood during the time the valve should be closed.

“For my first surgery they fixed the coarctation—narrowing —and sent me home. I had a valve replacement when I was 4 years old, and I did okay with that for a while. And then when I was 7 years old, I had to get the valve replaced again,” Maggie says.

At 16, Maggie’s heart and liver were enlarged, causing heart failure and the need for emergency surgery to replace the aortic valve again. At 21, she had a prosthetic valve put in that should last 10 to 15 years.

“I still have chronic heart failure, which is pretty well controlled with meds. The humidity over the summer makes me feel pretty yucky, but I’m able to live a fairly normal life,” Maggie explains. 

Visit  https://uihc.org/childrens/patient-story/maggies-story-patient-nurse to read more about Maggie.

Cheers!

Donna

Tales from a Scottish neurodivergent student nurse

"This diagnosis has answered so many unanswered questions about myself. I have shared this in the hope that this also offers insight to my friends, family and those who know me. Being different has come with a long list of challenging experiences of being misunderstood, misconceived and underestimated by others and I know that many other neurodivergent individuals (thus including other neurodivergent student nurses) have experienced the same stigma in the world which is quite frankly not on, particularly in this day and age. It is with this in mind that I intend to do my bit to work towards informing some change to these misconceptions of neurodivergent individuals, because by goodness we have so much to offer the world! Neurodiversity has never stopped me, and never will."

Read more from Chlo Jack at: 

Chlo Jack On Her Mac

Cheers!

Donna

The "I am a nurse: Color me Exceptional" coloring book is now published in Japanese!

 

 Many thanks to my Japanese colleagues who helped to make this possible.

Cheers!

Donna

The coloring book is available at:

https://amzn.asia/d/5rjxl3y

Congratulations to the Exceptional Nurse 2024 Scholarship winners!

 

Nursing students with a wide range of disabilities are being admitted to nursing programs. Disabilities may include hearing loss, low vision, learning disabilities, limb differences, paralysis, mental illness, autism, short stature, chronic illnesses and 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), 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 organization 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, speakers, legal resources, social media groups, research and related publications.

 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”? Due to support from donations and book sales, we were able to award two scholarships.

This year, funds were limited so competition was stiff. ExceptionalNurse.com is honored to announce the winners for 2024!!!

Henry Gathje will be attending Saint Mary's University nursing program in Winona, Minnesota. Henry stated, "I genuinely want to be a blessing for other people and nursing is the perfect profession to do so on a daily basis".

Kaitlyn Davidson is attending the University of South Carolina's nursing program. She wrote, "...  now it is my time to give back to society, now it is my time to motivate those in the worst moments of ther lives, and now it is my time to bolster the health of our nation."

Kennedy Corbell will be attending the University of Mary Hardin-Baylor in Belton, Texas. She stated, "I believe my experiences have made me more caring for others and I will enjoy being an excellent nurse."

Paige Rudzinski is attending the University of Cincinnati's nursing program. Paige wrote, "..I have learned how everyone is different while needing healthcare..this will influence my practice as a nurse because I will need to adapt to patients' needs and what they are capable of."

Best wishes to all.

Cheers!

Donna

Brianna Fogelman, transplant patient, becomes a nurse at Johns Hopkins

     

AFRO News reported this story.

"When Brianna Fogelman checks on her patients, the Johns Hopkins nurse pays close attention to their emotional state. She knows that’s expected of every nurse, but it feels especially vital to her — not long ago, the 27-year-old registered nurse, who cares for patients about to undergo or recover from surgery, grappled with her own fears as she waited for a new set of lungs at The Johns Hopkins Hospital." 

"Throughout her childhood, Fogelman struggled with asthma and other chronic lung problems, which worsened over time. She entered her 20s often gasping for breath, and she eventually required portable oxygen. In 2018, during her third year of nursing school in Delaware, she was referred to Johns Hopkins transplant pulmonologist Pali Shah, who placed her on a national waiting list for a double-lung transplant. During the next few months, Fogelman’s lungs collapsed twice, and then she developed pneumonia."

 Read more at:

Breathing Easier: The Journey from Transplant Patient to Johns Hopkins Nurse | AFRO American Newspapers

Cheers!

Donna

Nursing student Lauryn Matzke isn't letting cerebral palsy get in the way of becoming a nurse!

 

Arizona Digital Free Press reported on this story.

"Lauryn Matzke is a first-year student at Western Maricopa Education Center, which is a career and technical education public school district based in Glendale.

Ms. Matzke, who lives with cerebral palsy and Type 1 diabetes, decided to begin her medical education with West-MEC’s medical assisting program and is now a top performer, according to a press release.

Ms. Matzke suffered a stroke when she was 1-day old, causing hemiplegic cerebral palsy, a condition she will live with for the rest of her life, the release states.

“I was worried about Lauryn finding her own way to complete assignments, but she proved that there was no need for negativity or worrying,” Ms. Ray said. “She thrives in class and handles every task with grace. It’s incredible to see Lauryn and her classmates work as a team to achieve success together.”

After Ms. Matzke completes West-MEC’s Medical Assisting program, she plans to attend Glendale Community College to pursue a nursing career, while interning at Phoenix Children’s Hospital."

Read more at:

Lauryn Matzke excels at West-MEC medical assisting program - Arizona Digital Free Press

And learn about a device her class built to help her excel. Class builds device to help student excel in Surprise medical assisting program (abc15.com)

Cheers!

Donna

Taylor Mills defied the odds to become a nurse!

 

The University of Saint Francis featured this story.

"As a result of VACTERL association, Mills was born with missing tibia and fibula bones in her right leg and underwent a below-the-knee amputation at Shriners Children’s Chicago hospital when she was about 2. She had her first VEPTR rod surgery for scoliosis at 4, continuing every six months as she grew.

Mills’ positive attitude always remained intact.

After graduating from Wayne High School—where she defied the odds and played on the golf team—Mills entered the pre-medical program at Saint Francis in 2017. She spent about two years in the program before switching to nursing because of her desire for more direct patient contact. Then, COVID-19 hit. At the same time, issues arose with rod pain, which led to her decision to have spinal fusion surgery. That surgery then had to wait due to the pandemic. After initially thinking she would come right back to Saint Francis after the first of two surgeries, she decided to take about 18 months off.

When Mills finally returned to Saint Francis in the fall of 2022, she focused fully on her nursing degree.

Mills’ nature is to help others, too. Her dream job is to work as a nurse at Shriners Children’s Chicago. She has been in touch with them and remains hopeful that a spot will become available."

Read more at: 

https://www.sf.edu/news/2024/02/saint-francis-alumna-taylor-mills-hopes-her-nursing-journey-inspires-high-school-students/

Cheers!

Donna

Casey King, RN is a determined deaf nurse at Ohio State Medical Center

 

Alayna DeMartini, staff writer, at Ohio State Wexner Medical Center reported this story.

“Although she’s been deaf all her life, King reads lips well. She, her interpreter and sometimes her co-workers wear face masks that have clear plastic around the mouth so King can still read their lips. Her digital stethoscope connects via Bluetooth to her cochlear implant, which lets her hear her patient’s heartbeat.”

“When she was in college and considering careers, King shadowed a deaf doctor. She was intrigued with the profession, but she wanted to spend all her time taking care of people. Nursing seemed a better fit.”

“One of her role models growing up was a family friend who was a lawyer and also deaf. If he could be successful in a job that required a lot of communication, why couldn’t she, she figured.”

“Being admitted to the nursing program at Capital University in Bexley, where she grew up, King knew she’d have to work hard — harder than many of her classmates — to finish the degree and go on in the field.”

Eventually, King plans to return to school to become a nurse practitioner and work at a family practice that serves primarily deaf people.

She’s hoping more deaf people join her in the medical field. She wants them to know that being deaf, even profoundly deaf, doesn’t have to limit their career choices. It hasn’t limited hers.

Read more about this trailblazing nurse at:

Determination leads deaf nurse to role in the ICU | Ohio State Health & Discovery (osu.edu)

Cheers!

Donna

 

Personal experiences managing sickle cell disease inspire nurse to become a CRNA

 
Bria Sharp, right, student in the Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) program in the UT Health Science Center College of Nursing, decided to pursue nursing after her own experience managing sickle cell disease. Her mother, Assistant Professor Jackie Sharp, DNP, APRN, PMHNP, left, said she was excited when Bria decided to become a nurse.

Leigh Ann Roman rported this story for the University of Tennessee Health Science Center. 

“I always knew I wanted to go into health care after my early experiences with St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. They were my primary providers for my first 18 years and provided a great model for me to follow,” she said. “Not only did they provide excellent care, but they also taught me about my disease and how to manage it.” These experiences are what led to Bria developing her desire to pursue nursing.

Despite her chronic condition, Bria has chosen a very challenging path in nursing. She is in the middle of a rigorous, full-time Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) program in nurse anesthesiology at the UTHSC College of Nursing. Bria earned her Bachelor of Science degree in Nursing (BSN) from the college in 2019. It was in this program that Bria was first introduced to nurse anesthesiology. “I had a certified registered nurse anesthesiologist (CRNA) who took us under her wing for our clinical day in the OR. We could tell her role was complex and interesting, and this is where my interest began.”

Read more about Bria Sharp at:

https://news.uthsc.edu/nursing-students-experience-as-patient-inspires-her-journey-to-become-a-crna/

Cheers!

Donna

A rare form of dwarfism and renal failure didn't stop Rachael Johnson, RN

 

The Queensland Nurses and Midwives' Union reported the following on their Facebook page.

QNMU member and RN Rachael Johnson has a rare form of dwarfism and was diagnosed with renal failure at a young age. She shares her inspiring story with us on International Day of People with Disability - Australia.

"I spent four years on dialysis before receiving a kidney transplant when I was seven years old.

Because of this experience I knew I wanted to become a nurse and repay the people who had made such a difference to my life.

However, things weren’t plain sailing. I was belittled by nursing facilitators and repeatedly told that a nursing course was not suitable for me and I should “go and find something you can do”.

But my desire to become a nurse held strong. I worked tirelessly and qualified as a paediatric nurse in 2009.

I may not be able to reach the top shelf in the store cupboard, but I can empathise fully with the patients in my care.

I am living proof that you should never let anyone stop you from fulfilling your dreams."

Facebook

Cheers!

Donna

Aaron Wimer aims to make an impact in mental health care as a psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner

 

Wimer earned his bachelor’s degree from VCU School of Nursing in 2016 and joined VCU Health as a registered nurse in the cardiothoracic step-down unit. But he wanted to go back to school and become a nurse practitioner. Pursuing a graduate degree in psychiatric mental health nursing grew out of his own mental health journey and the realization he had valuable personal contributions to make as a health care provider.

“I believe what drew me to this degree was witnessing how putting my own mental health first exponentially improved my life,” he said. “Around the same time, I became interested in holistic care, and I stumbled upon a podcast whose guest was a psychiatrist that practiced functional medicine. That’s when I realized that psychiatry was evolving, was so much more dynamic and interesting than I had once believed, and that there was space for me to plant my roots and bloom.”

Read more at:

https://news.vcu.edu/article/2024/05/vcu-nursing-student-aaron-wimer-aims-to-make-an-impact-in-mental-health-care

Cheers!

Donna

Ever thought about becoming an independent nurse consultant?

 

Michelle Greene Rhodes can show you the way to get started! 

REGISTERED NURSE. AUTHOR. SPEAKER.

Life coach. Mentor. Business Consultant.

"Michelle Greene Rhodes is known as The Life Coach and Business Consultant for Nurse Entrepreneurs.

Inspired by her passion, she assists health professionals who struggle with the “start-up” phases of their business. She helps them free up their time and find a purpose filled life of their own by streamlining the first steps of entrepreneurship."

Upon completion of this continuing education course, participants will be able to:

List 3 steps in determining a name for a new company.

Describe 2 methods of accepting payments for a new business.

Explain 3 potential methods of funding a new business start up.

 Follow the link below to learn more about this course and how to sign up.

https://dev.pedagogyeducation.com/Courses/Becoming-an-Independent-Nurse-Consultant?affiliate=EXCEPTIONAL  #Affiliatelink

Cheers!

Donna

Micro premie graduates from nursing school and will work at same NICU that cared for her

 

Wendy Grossman Kantor reported on this story for People.

"This summer, Hayley Good will start working as a nurse in the same NICU she spent time in as a micro-preemie."

“I grew up knowing how the nurses saved my life,” Good, 22, who graduated with a degree in nursing in May, tells PEOPLE. “I was told that they tirelessly worked and advocated for me, even though they weren't even sure if I was going to survive."

"Now, she's looking forward to being able to share her unique perspective about what life can look like after the NICU with the parents of her patients."

“Being able to be that hope and light and just walk through the hardest part of their life with them is just very special,” she says.

"For about four and a half months, Good was in the NICU at Ohio State University Medical Center and also at the NICU at Nationwide Children’s Hospital, where she had heart surgery shortly after she was born."

"She grew up knowing about the loving NICU nurses who not only took care of her and saved her, but also comforted and supported her entire family."

Read more at:

https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/other/micro-preemie-was-born-weighing-less-than-2-lbs-soon-she-ll-be-a-nurse-at-nicu-that-saved-her-life/ar-BB1nTVxF?ocid=BingNewsSerp

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Donna

Preparing for a nursing student with a service dog

 

Silbert-Flagg, J., Shilling, S. D., Lucas, L., Nolan, M. T., Lin, L., Bellefeuille, P., Foley, M., Mallareddy, D., Baker, D., & D'Aoust, R. (2020) published an article in The Journal of Professional Nursing. 

Highlights of the article include:

Guidance to nursing programs to assist in planning clinical for a student with a service animal

Common misperceptions about service animals in the workplace

Examples of experiences with students with service animals in two schools of nursing

Abstract

This article offers guidance to nursing programs to assist in planning for a quality educational experience for a student with a service animal while ensuring patient safety and the continuation of efficient clinical operations. Nursing faculty should be aware of misperceptions about service animals in the workplace, address fears, concerns, and communicate plans for educating the student with the service animal to all faculty, staff and clinical personnel involved with the student. Examples are provided from experiences with multiple students using service dogs at two schools of nursing.

Silbert-Flagg, J., Shilling, S. D., Lucas, L., Nolan, M. T., Lin, L., Bellefeuille, P., Foley, M., Mallareddy, D., Baker, D., & D'Aoust, R. (2020). Preparing for a student with a service animal. Journal of professional nursing : official journal of the American Association of Colleges of Nursing, 36(6), 458–461. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.profnurs.2020.03.001

Preparing for a student with a service animal - ScienceDirect

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Donna

Shriners Children's Boston inspired burn victim to become a nurse

 "Olivia, a former patient at Shriners Children’s Boston, came to the hospital when she was 8 after suffering from extreme third-degree burns when hot water in a pot for mac-n-cheese scalded her left shoulder and upper back. She underwent several burn graft surgeries and stayed in the hospital for almost a month after the accident. She said the personalized care she received while she was a patient is what inspired her to become a nurse.

“The care at Shriners Children’s Boston was so drastically different from any other care I received as a child,” said Olivia. “As soon as we walked in the hospital doors it was clear that this is what they do, what they are experts in. It was incredible to see the way everyone worked together, the nurses, the occupational and physical therapists, the surgeons and the physicians. I think about my nurses I had at Shriners Children’s all the time and how they were able to advocate for my needs for me and my family. The care the staff at the hospital provided me to make me feel OK during a really scary time is really what influenced me to be where I am today.”

Olivia graduated in 2023 with a degree in nursing from Fairfield University in Connecticut. Today, she’s a nurse at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center on a General Medicine floor. She credits Shriners Children’s with turning a devastating burn injury into an opportunity to see a career field she never thought of before."

Read more about Olivia at:

https://www.shrinerschildrens.org/en/news-and-media/news/2024/05/next-generation-of-nurses

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Donna

Erin Norwood is first wheelchair user to graduate from VCU's nursing program

Erin Norwood, BSN

 “VCU was one of the few schools to say they were willing to work with me,” she said. “Preparing for a career in nursing while bound to a wheelchair has its challenges and obstacles, but I don’t feel horrible about it because it gives me the opportunity to prove that it can be done.”

During her nursing studies, Norwood became especially interested in pediatric intensive care unit nursing. She spent many hours volunteering at VCU Health’s Family Care Center, as well as providing support to pediatric patients and their parents on the ICU floor. 

“I really love working with children, especially infants, but I also love the fact that pediatric ICUs are very team-oriented,” she said. “There are doctors, nurses, respiratory therapists and physical therapists all working together. It’s a really great atmosphere for building positive relationships and learning new skills.”

Inspired by a semester working with the Virginia Department of Health, Norwood is also considering a career in community health. With the VDH, she joined various outreach projects, such as administering COVID-19 vaccines and providing food, clothing, diapers and other essentials to local underserved communities."

Read more about Erin at: Class of 2024: Erin Norwood hopes to make more space for disability in health care - VCU News - Virginia Commonwealth University

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Donna

Utah nursing student fights to get accommodations related to her disability

Maria Thomson and her service dog, Daisy

The Salt Lake Tribune reported on Maria Thomson's story. 

"In June 2022, Thomson, Ramp-Adams and the school’s ADA coordinator met to discuss a publication from The Journal of Professional Nursing, about how to accommodate students with service dogs in clinical settings. After that, Thomson said, she met with lab instructors at the start of every semester to introduce them to Daisy and work out logistics."

"When the school changed its name to Joyce, Thomson said, it replaced its ADA coordinator with an employee who didn’t have training in that field. “That’s kind of where my problems began,” she said, “just because there wasn’t that person there that understood and was able to help me navigate certain situations.”

"The cascade of issues that led to Thomson’s expulsion from Joyce happened in a stretch of just over a month."

Read more at:

A Utah nursing student's lawsuit highlights a debate over how the Americans With Disabilities Act is enforced. (sltrib.com)

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Donna

Nurse who survived 100-foot-fall is back to work at the Mayo Clinic

In the Loop reported that, "Amber Kohnhorst was quite literally between a rock and a hard place. She'd fallen while hiking alone in Cane Beds, Arizona, landing 100 feet below the path she'd been on. Now she was lying in "a narrow, rock-walled dungeon, maybe 10 feet by 10 feet," Rochester Magazine reports. Amber, a nurse at Mayo Clinic's Rochester campus, assessed her injuries, which included a broken nose and pelvis, and a fractured back. She also assessed her supplies, which included some trail mix, an empty water bottle, and a whistle. And she assessed her overall situation. She was alone, broken and — with no cell signal — had no way to call for help."

........

"Nearly two years after the accident that nearly took her life, Amber is now doing much more than walking. She's returned to work at Mayo Clinic and tells Best Friends blog that "being a patient has made her a better nurse." The blog reports she's also resumed volunteering with two organizations close to her heart: "Can Do Canines (an organization that trains service dogs for people with various challenges) and RideAbility, which offers therapeutic horseback riding for children and adults with special needs."

Read more about Amber's remarkable journey at:
After Surviving 100-Foot Fall, Nurse is Moving Forward and Looking Up | In the Loop (mayoclinic.org)

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Donna

Nurses and nursing students with disabilities: this webinar is for you!!! #accessinnursing

 

We're thrilled to invite you to the upcoming event hosted by the DocsWithDisabilities Initiative: "Empowering Women with Disabilities in Nursing: A Mentorship Panel."

Event Details:

Date: May 8th, 2024

Time: 3:30 - 5:00 pm EST

Moderators: Drs. Brigit Carter (AACN) and Lisa Meeks (DWDI)

Registration: Webinar Registration - Zoom

All are welcome, with captioning and ASL provided.

Join us as we extend crucial support to women with disabilities in the nursing profession through an enriching mentorship panel. Spearheaded by the Docs with Disabilities team, this event aims to provide free mentorship resources accessible to all members of the nursing community.

Event Overview:

The DocsWithDisabilities Initiative, Access in Nursing Program, and the University of Michigan Center for Disability Health and Wellness, in collaboration with various disability organizations, proudly present "Empowering Women with Disabilities in Nursing: A Mentorship Panel."

Seasoned nurses will share invaluable insights on navigating the nursing journey with a disability while addressing the unique challenges encountered by women in the field.

Funding:

This event is made possible thanks to the generous support from the National Institute on Disability, Independent Living, and Rehabilitation Research (NIDILRR #90RTHF0005) and grant 142636 from the Ford Foundation.

We are also proud to work with our partner organizations on this event including:

AACN (American Association of Colleges of Nursing)

AHEAD (Association for Higher Education and Disability)

AMPHL (Association for Medical Professionals with Hearing Loss)

Disability Lead

Exceptional Nurse

Johns Hopkins University Disability Health Research Center

MDisability Program, Department of Family Medicine, Michigan Medicine

SMADIE (Stanford Medicine Alliance for Disability Inclusion and Equity)

UC Davis School of Medicine Center for a Diverse Healthcare Workforce

Hope you can make it.

Cheers!

Donna