Born Deaf, Now a Bedside Nurse: How Cheyenne Is Breaking Barriers in Nursing

Cheyenne Nicole, a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) at Ascension Via Christi St. Teresa in Wichita, was born completely deaf in both ears but has built a successful nursing career through a combination of personal resilience and technological support.

"It's hard being a new nurse, and with anybody with a disability, they usually have to compensate," explains Kyle Stilwell, house supervisor at Ascension Via Christi St. Teresa. "Cheyenne uses her heart."

This sentiment captures how Nicole approaches patient care: with compassion that transcends communication barriers.

Technology That Works

Nicole's nursing practice is made possible largely through her cochlear implant, which she describes as "the best thing ever to me because it helps me to hear and be able to take me to where I'm at today." 

Beyond this personal technology, her workplace has implemented several accommodations to support her practice, including:

• Technology-appropriate phones
• Equipped stethoscopes

The specialized stethoscope connects to Nicole's phone and transmits heart sounds through her cochlear implant, enabling her to conduct thorough patient assessments.

Nursing Through Disabilities

The nursing profession has historically presented barriers for practitioners with disabilities. According to the National Organization of Nurses with Disabilities, nurses with disabilities face significant workplace challenges despite the Americans with Disabilities Act. 

Nicole's experience demonstrates how appropriate accommodations can enable qualified nurses with disabilities the opportunity to continue with direct bedside patient care. 

Throughout her career journey, Nicole has encountered skepticism. 

"There were people telling me, 'Oh, you can't do this,'" she recalls. Her response exemplifies her determination: "And I was like, 'OK, I can show you. I can do it.'" 

While Nicole hasn't had everyone believe in her along her journey to become a nurse, she believes in herself enough to continue on, despite what any naysayers might think. 

"If you don't like it, I don't know what to tell you," she told a local news outlet. "I mean, this is who I am, and this is my career. This is my life, and I love it."

A Passion for Nursing

Nicole has a passion for nursing that she isn't afraid to share.

"It makes me happy," she describes. " Like I love to go in a patient's room like, 'Hey, good morning. How you doing?'" 

The enthusiasm for direct patient care forms the foundation of her practice.

Erika Troutman, Chief Nursing Officer, recognizes Nicole's contributions: "Any time you face an obstacle, it's incredible to see somebody that's able to overcome those and find meaningful ways that they can still function day to day and have an amazing career, like being a bedside nurse."

Looking forward, Nicole plans to continue her nursing education, working toward becoming a Registered Nurse (RN) in the near future while maintaining her position at St. Teresa. Her career trajectory demonstrates that nursing can accommodate diverse abilities when institutions provide appropriate support.

Her Message for Other Nurses with Disabilities

For other nurses or nursing students with disabilities, Nicole offers straightforward encouragement: 

"Just know that you can do it. Don't let people tell you, 'No, you can't do this.' Just be yourself and do what makes you happy and believe in yourself."

Nicole's story represents an important reminder for the nursing profession: with proper accommodations, determination, and institutional support, nurses with disabilities can provide exceptional care while advancing their careers. 

🤔Nurses, what do you think? Share your thoughts below.