Thread by @drannamvaldez

Being a #disabled #nurse is hard - a 🧵 I might delete because this is uncomfortable to share.

I have had #Lupus and several other autoimmune disorders for 20 years and it is frustrating, painful, and at times debilitating.

I don’t talk about my health or what I go through openly because I am afraid that ppl will withhold opportunities or overlook me because I am “sick”. I don't even share how sick I am with most of my family.

I have pretended to be well a lot. Why? Because many nurses and healthcare professionals are ableists. If I don't pretend to be well I am criticized and marginalized. I get treated like a burden when I need accommodations.

When I am too sick to work I get labeled as unreliable or written off. I can feel the judgment and hear the snide comments.

I still have a lot to contribute but disability is not welcomed in nursing. It is hard to keep going and also maintain a sense of dignity.

It is hard to have a disease I cannot control and not talk freely about it. While most of my friends are planning fun weekends I am praying I will be well enough to make it through the week. I am hoping that I will be able to walk tomorrow without pain.

Hiding my illness and pushing myself beyond my limits has become a way of life for me. It is unhealthy, but necessary in nursing. While I am good at pretending I am well, I long to be accepted and valued for who I am, well or sick.

I am not unreliable. My disease is unpredictable. It is a cruel and debilitating disease. I do my best, and trust me when I say no one is more disappointed than me when I get sick. It is frustrating and embarrassing not to be able to control my body.

I share this because we have to do better in nursing and healthcare. We have to stop the ableism and show each other compassion.

Thank you to the friends who always support me. You give me courage to be my whole and authentic self. I wish there were more nurses like you.

Nurses, how many disabled nurses do you know that still work? I bet it is a small number because they either left nursing due to ableism or pretend to be well like me so you don't know they have a disability.

Disabled nurses have a lot to contribute. Don't write us off. Let's reimagine an inclusive nursing profession. Thanks for coming to my Ted Talk.
#DisabilityTwitter #Ableism