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For National Epilepsy Awareness month, I "chatted" with Erica Laney, a nurse/mentor with ExceptionalNurse.com. Erica was diagnosed with epilepsy at 11 years old. She has grand-mal seizures and has been practicing as a nurse for four years. Here is some of what we discussed.
DM: Did you need accommodations in nursing school? Were you met with discrimination?
EL:"I tried to be open in nursing school and yes I was met with discrimination and resistance. Initially no accommodations were needed. I actually had a seizure during clinicals during my second year; and after that was required to have a "shadow" during clinicals for the safety of my patients."
DM: Did you require accommodations on NCLEX?
EL:"No accommodations were needed".
DM: While working as a nurse, do you need accommodations?
EL:"No accommodations are needed for work; if I am sick or have an "episode/aura" I call in and go home."
EL:"No accommodations are needed for work; if I am sick or have an "episode/aura" I call in and go home."
DM: Where do you work? Did you disclose? Accommodations? Challenges?
"I currently work as a Hospice nurse at Community Hospice of Northeast Florida. I go to people's homes/and assisted living facilities and mostly work from my car. I didn't disclose immediately, and actually didn't do it until I had an episode at a patient's house.
The only accommodation they have made for me is to allow my husband to drive my vehicle for me. I am working on getting my driver's license back."
What has contributed to your success?
DM: Finding the right niche is so important for nurses with disabilities.
DM: What would you say to another nurse or nursing student with epilepsy? Advice? suggestions?
EL: Stay positive!!! There is hope! Evaluate your type of epilepsy. Do you have an aura? Warning signs? Try to be as honest as possible with your co-workers if you feel comfortable. It's better to disclose and have people around you aware of your situation instead of being surprised! Epilepsy doesn't have to be a burden; I use it often to connect with patients and even co-workers.
DM: Your positive attitude shines through!
EL: "Epilepsy may change your life--but that isn't always a bad thing!"
DM: Erica, thanks so much for sharing your story with us. We celebrate you and others with epilepsy this month. You are a role model to others and have demonstrated that nursing with epilepsy is possible!
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