My Nursing School Experience

Unsure of how I would do in the classroom and clinical setting I chose to try a one year LPN program over the two year RN. Our local school with the RN program was very encouraging and said for all the limits my hearing might put on me there would be just as many blessing. (ie..understanding, compassion) At LPN orientation thing went upside down I was told that it was not going to work, me being hearing impaired, they did not believe I would make it through clinical. They acted as if they had no idea when they chose me that I had a disability. (Every letter of recommendation stated my impairment had shaped who I am and how it would make me a better nurse).

Long story--fast forward--cochlear implant--Nursing School at last!!

When I decided to do nursing school I knew hospital nurse was not my goal. I understand my limitations and would never want another persons health to be hindered because of something I missed auditorially. I knew that I would never work in critical care or a respiratory unit. I wanted to work in a office that had hearing impaired patients or for a cochlear implant manufacturer, as a rep and educator. I felt there would be many avenues for me to choose from once I got my license. So.. I made all my teachers aware of my situation, sat front row and most importantly made friends with the most serious students (usually the older ones). I did very well in the classroom, missing the questions my classmates would ask, was my biggest problem. This I solved by asking my teacher to paraphrase the question back with their answer. (ie.. Yes, Cimetidine is a H2 histamine antagonists). This was helpful to everyone not just me.

Clinical was a daily challenge and stressor. I truly hated it and thought about quiting often. I counseled with my teacher, she understood what my plans were and that this was the means to the end. She still made sure I experienced all that I needed to but I feel she also hand picked my assignments. She was always willing to go behind me and confirm what I thought I was hearing or anything I needed. I hate that as soon as I tell people about my ci, the focus of our meeting shifts. I would try to tell my patients, by the short version, that I was hearing impaired and if I missed something they said to please repeat. I use the technique of mirroring back in all areas of my life but it was extremely helpful in school and clinical. I also feel it was a liability insurance of sorts. I fear people using me and my hearing as a scapegoat, confirming what they said is good coverage.

I had a scary and embarrassing lesson in the GI Lab one day. When I get stressed my hearing seems to drop even more ( I guess it's really more of a brain reaction but - stress me and put me on the spot and it's as if my brain leaves the building).I was in observing a Bronchoscopy when the physician got a page. He told me to call a number which I thought I had heard correctly, but was not sure; and tell them he was doing an exam and would call them back. Well it was dark in the scope room plus everyone was masked - so I could not speech read. I felt panicked and stressed. I blindly made the call on a phone that was not amplified, I could not hear on it. Under the stress of it all I forgot the physicians name, stumbled on the pronunciation of Bronchoscopy (bronch-O-scope) and felt dumber than dirt. Later I started replaying the whole episode in my head and I was mortified by my actions. I will never bluff my way through something again, I will simply speak up and tell the truth. "I can't hear on every phone" - "I am sorry I didn't catch your name." I am hearing impaired, not stupid. Sometimes it feels so defeating to not be able to do what others take for granted.

I am so happy I stuck it out! I love my job and the people I get to share with and help. I don't know if I will bite off RN in the future or not. Today I am very pleased and proud of all I have done. Just returning to school after being out for 20+ years is a major task, doing it hearing impaired makes it even harder.