Why do libraries matter to nurses with disabilities?

Recently, I was asked why I encourage nurses, nursing students, nursing faculty and disability services staffers to ask their university, college, hospital or local library to purchase copies of my books.

Of course, the stories shared in books offer inspiration and hope to nurses and nursing students with disabilities, but there are other reasons......

If you purchase a copy as an individual (thank you!!!), but I would venture to guess that after you read the book it will be placed on a shelf and later end up in a landfill or thrift store.

But if a library purchases the book, the stories shared by trailblazing nurses with disabilities will live on for generations to come. 

The stories serve as examples of nursing students and nurses who benefited from the Americans with Disabilities Act. Some asked for reasonable accommodation and often fought the system, overcame challenges and moved forward to do the work they love. Information is shared about nursing school, gaining employment, accommodation, reactions from patients and fellow staff nurses.... and so much more.

If books about nurses with disabilities are available in libraries, nurses who are working on masters and doctoral degrees and doing research on the experiences of nursing students and nurses with disabilities will find the stories. Nursing historians will be informed as well.

Disability services staffers, human resource staffers, nursing administrators, attorneys, law students, vocational rehabilitation counselors, physical and occupational therapists need to know about nurses with a wide range of disabilities who have been successful in school and work place settings. They need evidence that a person with one hand, mental illness, lower limb amputation, spina bifida, learning disability, spinal cord injury, chronic illness, epilepsy, essential tremor, hearing or vision loss can become a nurse with and without accommodation! 

Most libraries have an easy online form you can complete to request a purchase.

Can you help the stories live on?

Maheady, D.C. (Ed.). (2014). The Exceptional Nurse: Tales from the trenches of truly resilient nurses working with disabilities. CreateSpace Independent Publishing Platform.   ISBN: 13:978-1495400933

Maheady, D.C. (2006). Leave No Nurse Behind: Nurses Working with disAbilities.

Lincoln, NE: iUniverse, Inc.       ISBN:13:978-0-595-39649-8

Maheady, D. (2003). Nursing Students with Disabilities Change the

Course. River Edge, New Jersey: Exceptional Parent Press. (Now available from Lulu.com)

  

With thanks in advance!

Donna

"Breaking it down" for nursing students with learning disabilities

   Breaking a task down into micro-units, using prompts, and assistive technology can help all students. We all do this whether we realize it or not (Brandt and Alwin, 2012; Kolanko, 2003). As nurses we develop sliding scale charts for delivering different dosages of IV medications, write laboratory results on our hands, and enter prompts into our iPods to be on time for medications and treatments (Kolanko, 2003; and McCleary-Jones, 2008).

     Understanding deficits in social processing or lack of social skill learning is more common in college students today. Developing a network of support is important to all students with disabilities. Students with LD tend to be individual rather than group learners. But this characteristic sometimes isolates the student. Finding ways to integrate them into study groups, peer tutoring, or group discussions may help to increase the comfort level of group work and as nurses with supportive staff (Brooke, 1999). The student feels at ease and can see the group as a support rather than a source of stress.

When students with LDs learn to micro-unit (break information down into its smallest units), use various learning strategies and are provided more time, they can see the relevance of these techniques for patient care. Nurses with LD are uniquely prepared to care for patients who have the same needs. Upon learning of their LD, students report reactions of grief and loss as they see themselves as a person with a disability and not “a normal person.” Helping them to self- advocate, learn success strategies, and referrals to specialists can support their needs. It should be emphasized that this is something they can help patients do for themselves as well (Kolanko, 2003). 

This information is an excerpt from a chapter commentary written by Katherine Kolanko, RN, PhD in "The Exceptional Nurse: Tales from the trenches of truly resilient nurses working with disabilities". 

Please share your thoughts below.

With thanks,
Donna

Are you a nursing student with a learning disability? Sharing a “Learning Bio” with faculty may help!

STUDENT LEARNING BIO

Tino Plank, Pre-Nursing Student

Dear___________:

My name is Tino Plank, and I’m in the process of completing my nursing school pre-requisites. At the suggestion of my academic counselor, Bill Jones, I’ve put together this “learning bio” as a way to introduce myself, my scholastic goals, and my learning disabilities.

I already have a B.S. degree, which I completed in 1980. However, at that time, I struggled in many of my core science classes because I didn’t realize that I had learning disabilities that impacted my capacity to process the material I was studying. Specifically, I have auditory and visual processing deficits and dyslexia/ADD characteristics that slow down the way I integrate information.

I always wanted to continue my science education, but had been intimidated by the testing challenges from my undergraduate days. Fortunately, I’ve been through the learning skills assessment offered by Student Supportive Services, and with their guidance and support, we’ve worked out learning/testing accommodations that have improved my ability to learn and retain information.

I look forward to learning from you this semester and working with you to incorporate my accommodations into the classroom.

Sincerely,

Tino Plank

Read more about nursing school with a learning disability in chapter 5 “Ain’t No Mountain High Enough: Paths to Success for Nurses with Learning Disabilities” in The Exceptional Nurse: Tales from the trenches of truly resilient nurses working with disabilities.

http://www.amazon.com/Exceptional-Nurse-trenches-resilient-disabilities-ebook/dp/B00MMG9YUC/ref=tmm_kin_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&sr=1-1&qid=1421958814

Keep moving forward: Are you on suspension or do you have a restricted nursing license?

State boards of nursing use different statutory language related to restrictions, suspensions, stipulations, probation and surrendering a license. It is hard to know exactly how many nurses have suspended or restricted licenses.  If you are one of these nurses, you may be eager to continue to work in nursing or a related field, but don’t know where to turn. Finding a nursing or healthcare related job may take some time and effort, but it can be done!

Let’s think about it this way, if you have a restricted license or your license is suspended, you still have a degree in nursing and valuable skills. Consider areas where you can use your nursing knowledge in broader terms, beyond traditional nursing positions. Begin to think about health related fields. Change your keyword search from “nursing” to “health related”.

Consider gyms and health clubs

Do you practice yoga? If so, why not become a yoga instructor? Build your own business teaching yoga to patients with cancer, arthritis or chronic pain. Also, consider becoming a Reiki master.

Like anatomy? Many massage and yoga instructor training programs require students to study anatomy as part of the training. Who better than a nurse to teach this content?

Explore opportunities with insurance company fitness programs like Healthways “Silver Sneakers” fitness program. You could become an instructor.

Teaching

How about teaching health to middle or high school age students? A school system may only require you to have a degree in a health-related field in order to teach health.

Consider teaching CPR, first aid, water safety, babysitting or other health related courses for the Red Cross or American Heart Association.

Love maternal/child care? Consider becoming a childbirth or breastfeeding educator.

Does your local school system offer adult education programs? If so, consider developing a health related program and presenting your idea to the appropriate department.

Nurse Recruiter

Working as a nurse recruiter or for a staffing agency may be an option to consider.

Nutrition Consultant

Are you interested in promoting good nutrition and healthy eating? Consider becoming a nutrition consultant. Some nurses have started their own businesses offering classes within their communities.

Faith based programs

Does your church, synagogue or mosque have a parish nurse? If so, consider volunteering with him or her to take blood pressure after services or make home visits.

Library

Love being in the library? How about considering a position in a university medical or nursing school library?

Volunteer

Teach the American Lung Association’s “Open Airways” program to children with asthma in schools.

Consider volunteering with the Red Cross or at a free clinic or homeless shelter.

Writing

Write a blog about your experiences. It can be a source of income and could be helpful to other nurses. Online and print publications are also a place to consider writing articles about your area of expertise.

Medical Coding

There are medical coding courses offered at community colleges and online. Learning medical coding can lead to employment with medical offices and consulting firms.

Medical Foster Care

Infants and children with special needs are in dire need of foster homes. Consider opening your home and sharing your nursing skills with children in need.

Developmental Disabilities

Many children and adults with special needs live in group homes and other settings. Groups homes and programs providing services to people with disabilities often need nursing expertise. Find out how you might be able to help. Teach a class on hand washing, food safety, hygiene, nutrition or cooking healthy meals.

Network, network, network

Tell everyone you know that you are interested in working. Stay connected with other nurses as well.

Be prepared for tough questions you may be asked. Rehearse responses. Be honest with employers. Explain your disciplinary action, take responsibility and clearly identify ways you have remediated the situation.

You also need to work closely with your state board of nursing program or counselor and comply with whatever is requested. Try to keep your resume current if a return to traditional nursing practice is your goal. Work closely with your Nursing Board’s peer assistance program or counselor. They may have employment suggestions particular to your area of the country.

Any other suggestions? I would love to read about your experiences.

Move forward!

Donna

Yoga Nurse

http://exceptionalnurse.blogspot.com/2015/05/yoga-nursinga-gift-to-self.html

Nurse is a Reiki Master

http://exceptionalnurse.blogspot.com/2014/11/do-you-want-to-pay-fewer-taxes-go.html

Nurse teaches nutrition

http://www.news-journalonline.com/news/20160731/palm-coast-nurse-teaches-art-of-nutrition

Nurse teaches anatomy

https://phsponyexpress.org/2015/10/27/former-nurse-becomes-teacher-of-anatomy/

Silver Sneakers

https://www.silversneakers.com/partners/instructors/

Hodgkin's Lymphoma didn't stop this nurse!

                                                                                                        Carissa Lucas
Just a few weeks into the nursing program at Texas A&M University Health Science Center, Carissa Lucas found a lump on the left side of her neck.

She had a test and class that day and thought it could wait, but one of her professors advised her to get it checked out. Carissa's doctor sent her to the emergency room and to have a CT scan. Three hours later, she was informed that the tests were consistent with lymphoma. Two weeks later, she learned that the diagnosis was stage two Hodgkin's Lymphoma. Carissa started chemotherapy while attending classes.

"I had chemotherapy every other week, and was able to keep attending classes and get the treatment that I needed." 

The accelerated nursing program took Carissa a year longer than planned due to a medical leave of absence. The good news is that in spite of extensive treatment and a stem cell transplant, she was scheduled to graduate in May of 2016 and begin a nursing position for Baylor, Scott & White.

"A lot of people have said that I inspire them, and I appreciate the sentiment, but I never set out to do that. I just want to be the best nurse that I can be. I couldn't let a diagnosis keep me from achieving my goals"

Read more about Carissa:

 https://vitalrecord.tamhsc.edu/second-career-second-chance/ 

Best wishes Carissa!

Donna

Listen up breast cancer...don't mess with two nurses!

Madeline Harris, RN and Kristen Noles, RN

October is breast cancer awareness month. Exceptional Nurse is honored to share this inspirational story. 

While Kristen Noles was waiting for her biopsy results, her mother, Madeline Harris, who is an oncology nurse told her, "not to worry". Days later, Kristen learned she had invasive ductal and lobular breast cancer. 

Soon she embarked on aggressive chemotherapy and radiation followed by a double mastectomy and reconstructive surgery. Kristen kept working throughout her treatment. She had chemo and would be back to work on Monday. Kristen even completed graduate studies while in treatment.

 Over time, Madeline and Kristen asked, "How can we use this to further our understanding of what it's like to be the family member of a patient?"

So this is what they accomplished in the five years since Kristen's diagnosis!

Kristen became a co-founder of the Courage Network, a grassroots program made up of University of Alabama at Birmingham staff who help to support other employees facing breast cancer.


Kristen's mom, Madeline Harris, while working as the director of Birmingham's Women's Breast Health Fund, has awarded more than 1.3 million dollars to nonprofits since 2009 to provide services to breast cancer survivors and their families. 

Kristen's diagnosis made this mother and daughter pair of nurses even more determined to make cancer patients' lives as fulfilled as possible.

Click on the link below to read more about this story in an article published in Parade magazine. 

Best wishes to Kristen and her Mom. Bravo to both of you. 

With thanks for all you do!

Donna

http://parade.com/512105/lhochwald/inspiring-nurse-turns-breast-cancer-battle-into-help-fight-to-help-others/

https://www.uab.edu/news/latest/item/3098-uab-employees-tackle-breast-cancer-together-in-courage-network

http://www.nationalbreastcancer.org/breast-cancer-awareness-month

Love story about a nurse with a missing finger goes viral!

                                                           Hands of Libby and Matt Sanders

Libby Sanders is a nurse in Jasper, Indiana. Earlier this year, she lost her left pinky finger after a freak accident with a screen door. Since the accident she was a little self-conscious about the missing finger.

On Facebook, Libby posted:

This is who I married….
I was painting my nails and made a comment that I forget I don’t have to paint my pinky nail on my left hand. I simply forget that I lost my pinky, but it is always kind of a bummer when I am reminded. Matt said “I will be your surrogate pinky. You can paint my pinky to match your nails for the rest of our lives” 
And so we did….
I cannot image a sweeter, kinder man. No words adequately describe our love.

Just type "Libby Sanders" into your search engine. Libby, her husband, five children and their ice cream shop are covered everywhere! 

Please share or leave a comment.

I need a tissue.
Teary-eyed,

Donna


http://www.today.com/health/husband-paints-nail-support-wife-missing-pinky-finger-t91016

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/entry/sweetest-husband-finds-way-to-support-wife-after-she-lost-a-pinky_us_572bc948e4b016f3789542a2

http://www.womansday.com/life/inspirational-stories/a54791/pinky-nail-photo/