We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Mikaela Thepvongsa a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Mikaela, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today What was your school or training experience like? Share an anecdote or two that you feel illustrate important aspects or the overall nature of your schooling/training experience.
On November 2020, I reflected on my journey in nursing school and wrote, “It’s surreal to think about how far I have come in nursing school. I recall being extremely nervous at my nursing school interview, where the director said, ‘We called up (WSU) Spokane and Yakima to ask if they ever had a nursing student who was deaf, and they said, “no, we never have,” so you would be the very first!'”
Being the first deaf student at Washington State University, College of Nursing was not easy, but I felt a strong sense of responsibility to pave the way for other potential students who wanted to follow the same path. This experience highlighted not only diversity but also inclusion, acceptance, and adaptability within the institution. It was a challenging yet rewarding journey, where I had to navigate numerous obstacles while advocating for the necessary accommodations and support.
One significant aspect of my training was realizing the profound impact of technology in making nursing more accessible. We learned about the advancements that enable individuals with disabilities to pursue careers that were previously deemed unattainable. This was particularly meaningful to me, as it demonstrated that with the right tools and support, becoming a Registered Nurse is possible even for those with multiple disabilities.
Overall, my school experience was a testament to resilience, innovation, and the importance of inclusivity in education. It underscored the value of breaking new ground and opening doors for future students, proving that determination and adaptability can lead to success despite significant challenges.
As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?
My name is Mikaela and I am a Registered Nurse based out of Washington State. I became deaf at a young age and struggled with numerous chronic illnesses. Despite these challenges, I worked hard and overcame many obstacles to get to where I am today.
i am a dedicated and accomplished Registered Nurse, having graduated from Washington State University, College of Nursing with a profound commitment to healthcare and advocacy. My career began with an impressive achievement—securing a highly competitive position as an Intensive Care Unit (ICU) Registered Nurse upon graduation of nursing school. For the first 15 months, I excelled in the Intensive Care Unit, where I quickly demonstrated my exceptional skills and resilience. Remarkably, just six months into my ICU role, I also embraced the responsibilities of a Home Health Registered Nurse, showcasing my versatility and dedication to patient care.
My choice to specialize in critical care nursing was partly influenced by my own experiences of receiving critical care as a patient. Knowing what it’s like to be a patient in such scenarios gave me a unique perspective and allowed me to provide empathetic and effective care in the ICU. This personal connection fueled my passion and commitment to the field.
Navigating the demands of being a Deaf ICU registered nurse is a feat I accomplished with determination and innovation. I utilized a digital Bluetooth amplified stethoscope, allowing the sound to stream directly to my cochlear implant, and I skillfully read the lips of my intubated patients, who were unable to speak. These adaptations not only enabled me to perform my duties effectively but also highlighted my exceptional ability to overcome challenges and provide high-quality care.
During my last semester of nursing school, I began sharing my journey as a Deaf nursing student on social media. This initiative quickly grew, and I became a content creator, using my platform to advocate for Deaf awareness, inclusion, and accessibility. My social media presence has been instrumental in raising awareness and fostering a more inclusive environment in the healthcare community.
Despite my love for critical care, I discovered that my true passion lay in working with a diverse population and advocating for accessibility and inclusion in healthcare. This realization led me to transition into a Community Health Registered Nurse role, where I now specialize in serving marginalized populations who face numerous barriers. I am deeply committed to closing these gaps and decreasing barriers in healthcare, ensuring that each patient has access to the care and support that they need.
Through my work, I continue to inspire and advocate, using my unique experiences and voice to make a significant impact in the healthcare field. My journey is a testament to my unwavering dedication, resilience, and passion for creating a more inclusive and accessible world for all.
Let’s talk about resilience next – do you have a story you can share with us?
One story that stands out from my journey and highlights my resilience involves my very first clinical instructor in nursing school. Very early on in the semester, this clinical instructor had pulled me aside for a conversation, during which I had an ASL interpreter present. She recommended that I drop out of nursing school, expressing her belief that my disabilities made it impossible for me to succeed in the program.
Throughout the semester, this clinical instructor made my experience exceedingly difficult. She made discriminatory remarks, belittled me in front of patients, and assigned me additional assignments that other students did not have to complete. Instead of letting these challenges deter me, I used them as motivation to work even harder. Despite her lack of support, I was determined to prove her wrong.
Not only did I persevere, but I also excelled. I proved that it was absolutely possible to graduate from nursing school despite my circumstances. I graduated with Cum Laude (honors), led multiple student organizations, and volunteered throughout my college career. This experience reinforced my determination and resilience, and it continues to drive my commitment to advocate for inclusion and accessibility in the healthcare field.
Other than training/knowledge, what do you think is most helpful for succeeding in your field?
Other than training and knowledge, I believe the most helpful factor for succeeding in the nursing field is possessing a strong motivation and desire to be a nurse. While many people assume that nursing solely involves working as a traditional bedside nurse in a hospital, the reality is that the nursing profession offers a vast array of opportunities and options.
Nursing is incredibly flexible, allowing for specialization in various fields and diverse working environments. You also have the flexibility to create a schedule that suits your personal and professional needs. Whether working full-time, part-time, or juggling multiple nursing roles, the field accommodates a wide range of career paths.
There is no single formula for becoming a successful nurse, as success can be achieved in numerous ways. Beyond training and knowledge, motivation and a genuine passion for nursing are crucial. Nursing is a demanding profession, and this intrinsic drive is often what sustains nurses through the challenges they face.
Success in nursing is highly individual and should be tailored to align with your personal goals and passions. For instance, some nurses thrive in full-time hospital roles, while others find fulfillment in part-time positions that allow them to pursue additional interests. Some have a long-term career at the bedside, while others never work in that setting.
Being flexible and adaptable, understanding yourself, and maintaining a strong desire to care for others are essential for succeeding in nursing. These qualities enable you to navigate the various challenges and opportunities the profession presents, ultimately leading to a fulfilling and successful career.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mikaelachavezt/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/Mikaelachavezt/100090003507175/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@Mikaelachavezt
- Other: TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@mikaelachavezt
Image Credits
Maegan Murray, Brandon Thepvongsa, Isabella Thepvongsa, Nancy Thepvongsa, Gabriella Thepvongsa