04/28/2026
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Questions I get as a deaf nurse
Are you deaf?
- Yes. I am 100% deaf in my right ear and profoundly deaf in my left ear. I use a hearing aid.
Can you hear?
- Yes, with my hearing aid. Not 100%.
Can you talk?
- Yes. I started speech therapy at age 3.
How do you communicate with patients?
- In person, face to face. I use writing and typing when needed. For meetings or calls, I use ASL interpreters and VRS.
How do you use a stethoscope?
- I previously used the Thinklabs One. Now I use the Eko 500 digital stethoscope. It connects via Bluetooth to my hearing aid and works with the Eko app. I can hear heart, lung, and bowel sounds with training and practice.
How did you get through nursing school?
- I had two interpreters for classes and clinical rotations.
How long have you worked as a nurse?
- I was an LPN for 4 years and an RN for 2 years. I started in healthcare in 2014 as a phlebotomy technician, then worked as a medical assistant for 6 years. I am now a nurse practitioner student.
Do you need accommodations at work?
- Yes. I use interpreters, written communication, and technology to ensure full access.
Is it hard working in healthcare as a deaf nurse?
- It has challenges, but with the right tools and support, I can provide safe and effective care.
What is your goal as a deaf nurse practitioner?
- My goal is to care for deaf and ASL users with full communication access and zero barriers. I want 100% language access for every patient.
What advice do you have for deaf students in healthcare?
- You belong here. Build your support system, advocate for access, and don’t limit yourself.
🩵 Nurse Britny
