Recently I was reading an article written by Rose Felder, a nurse with a
disability. After many years of working as a nurse— in mental health settings and
with patients with tuberculosis— Rose was injured in an automobile accident.
Long months of rehabilitation followed the accident—related to a dozen fractures,
emotional shock, pain, double vision and a speech defect. She endured an
unending round of physiotherapy, stairs, wheels and exercises.
One day, Rose voiced her thoughts about returning to work. An
appointment was promptly made for her to visit with the counseling and
placement service of her state nurses association.
Rose thought the visit with the counselor was a futile gesture—
but went to the appointment. She was surprised to discover that the
counselor took it for granted that she would return to nursing. And, within a few
days, Rose was back in uniform working three mornings a week on staff
duty—where she was met with patience and understanding.
What surprised me most is the fact that this story was published in 1949!!!
Do we currently take it for granted that a nurse
with a disability will return to nursing?
Were “things” different in 1949?
Have attitudes changed?..... If so, why?
Donna
Felder, R. (1949). The Handicapped Nurse. The American Journal of Nursing, 49 (3), 155.
I don't know if "we" as a group or population do, but I think "we" as individuals do. I have had Rheumatoid Arthritis for 21 years and worked full time in some form of Nursing for most of that. When I had a 3 year period of disability I went through an identity crisis. At the time I did not expect to be able to re-enter the nursing arena. I suddenly didn't know how to introduce myself to people...I had been "Hi, I am Julia and I am a Nurse" for so long I didn't know what to say...I was a Nurse...I am a Nurse... That is when I fully realized a Nurse is not what we do, a Nurse is who we are.
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