4 Reminders for Nursing Students with Disabilities

 More and more students with disabilities are being admitted to nursing education programs every year. Beyond admission, the students are progressing, graduating, passing national licensing examinations, and gaining employment in the field.

What do many of these students share in common? Among other attributes, they share motivation, determination, and resilience.

Here are four helpful reminders:

1.Learn all you can about nursing. Spend time with nurses, observe nurses at work, and read about nursing. Talk to every nurse you know. Volunteer at a hospital, clinic, or nursing home. Work at a camp for children with special needs. Spend time with the school nurse; join the Future Nurses Club or Health Occupations Students of America.


2.Ask the tough questions. Honestly appraise your strengths and weaknesses related to the physical, emotional and academic demands of the profession.

Ask yourself the difficult questions —Can I perform the physical and emotional demands of this profession? Will I need accommodations? If so, are they reasonable? Can I meet the qualifications of the program I am applying to? Am I prepared to face the possibility of negative attitudes from faculty, peers, staff and patients?


3.Do your homework. Find out about the experiences of other nursing students with and without disabilities. Research different nursing programs and examine the admission guidelines and program’s philosophy. Visit different nursing programs, meet with Deans or Directors, and visit the campus Office for Students with Disabilities.

Explore resources for assistive listening devices, special stethoscopes, and computer programs. Ask about uniforms, the number of hours spent in clinical settings and whether or not you will need to provide transportation.


4.Know your legal rights. Learn all you can about your rights to reasonable accommodation under the Americans with Disabilities Act. Take personal responsibility for making the decisions related to whether or not to disclose your disability. Be prepared for possible negative attitudes from fellow students and others involved in health care. Role-play and rehearsed responses can help you prepare for possible negative attitudes from others.

The future promises to find more and more nursing students with disabilities in classrooms and clinical sites. Being prepared and doing your homework can make this exciting journey less challenging.