Leaving aside the generalisation in the description of the case, which seems
to imply the course staff believe all people with cerebral palsy can or
cannot do this, that or the next thing (and which we might, at times, use as
a definition of the word 'discrimination'), I'm interested in the
pre-emptive quality that is perhaps being defended here. Surely the
assessment process for becoming a nurse is the assessment processes of the
course itself. Perhaps this student, assuming that she is qualified to be on
the course, need only give the same assurance as any other student applying
to the course: that she feels she can make an attempt at the tasks involved
in being a nurse. Then if she fails to complete an assessment of an
essential learning outcome, then perhaps she will fail the course and fail
to become a nurse. But, then again, she may pass.
I feel we may be confusing what it is to have needs assessed, and what
assessment within a course is for. (The picture I paint here is subtly
changed if it is the student who is leading the process to be a priori
assessed, and accepts that she will be refused a place if she cannot perform
certain tasks.)
(PS: I also reject that what is being assessed is 'Risk'.)
Cheers
Iain
Iain Hood
Senior Student Adviser, Learning Support
Student Support Services
APU
East Road
Cambridge
CB1 1PT
01223 363271 ex 2316
[log in to unmask]
----- Original Message -----
From: "O'Callaghan, Loretto M J" <[log in to unmask]>
To: <[log in to unmask]>
Sent: Monday, February 28, 2005 2:10 PM
Subject: Re: Risk assessment for a nursing student
The advice of our Occupational Health Practitioner is that you should
talk to your OH provider!
-----Original Message-----
From: Discussion list for disabled students and their support staff.
[mailto:[log in to unmask]] On Behalf Of Pauline McInnes
Sent: 28 February 2005 13:18
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: Risk assessment for a nursing student
Dear All,
Here at TVU we have a prospective nursing student who has cerebral
palsy, our faculty are concerned about her ability to carry out manual
handling tasks and transfers of patients. They are also concerned about
her ability to kneel down and perform CPR if necessary (yes, that old
chestnut again).
Can anyone advise me on how we might carry out an assessment of her
ability to undertake these tasks prior to her acceptance on the course
and who the appropriate person might be to conduct such an assessment?
Kind regards
Pauline
Pauline McInnes
Disability Co-ordinator
Disability Team
Student Services
St Mary's Road
Ealing
London
W5 5RF
Tel: 0208 231 2058
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