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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.
With thanks,
Donna
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
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
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
"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."
Cheers!
Donna
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)
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
