“After two years of applications and interviews and rejection after rejection, I’d started to believe the hate comments and messages; that maybe I really would never be able to work as a bedside nurse again.
I was just about to give up when I had one final interview for a position on a Mother/Baby Unit at a level 1 trauma center near me. After so much rejection, I figured they would take one look at my disabled body and find some reason to turn me down.
But to my complete and utter surprise, when I brought up my chair the response wasn’t what I was used to. Instead I heard,
‘I don’t see why being in a wheelchair would impact your ability to deliver good nursing care in the slightest…plus, you’re the perfect height to catch.’
I was STUNNED to say the least. I kept thinking ‘They had to have made a mistake,’ and, ‘Maybe I misheard them,’ so much so that I barely told ANYONE until I had my orientation schedule in my hand.
But it WAS real and I didn’t mishear a thing.
As of this Monday, I will officially begin orientation for my new job as a nightshift staff nurse on Mother/Baby and the hospital’s very first RN on wheels. 🤗
I still keep thinking I’m going to wake up from this incredible dream.
I have to thank all my coworkers from my previous hospital for believing in me and reminding me daily that I am a strong and capable healthcare provider who just happens to get around faster than anyone in the entire hospital. 😜
Y’all pray for me as this trauma junkie learns a VERY different specialty! Stay tuned for more as I navigate entering back into the world of bedside nursing, ON WHEELS! 😷♿️♥️”
When Love What Matters reached out to Ryann about this story, she kindly provided us with an update:
“It’s a year later, and I worked my way up to charge nurse on the postpartum unit I mentioned where I worked for a year before making the move from Roanoke, VA to San Diego, CA where I’m continuing my journey as a nurse on wheels.”
We are so happy for you, Ryann!
