In our 2025 Emerging Deaf Leader Series, we are honored to spotlight Cheyenne Nicole, a remarkable healthcare professional whose story is breaking down stereotypes and reshaping what is possible for Deaf individuals in the medical field.
Born Deaf, Built Strong
Diagnosed at just a few months old through Auditory Brainstem Response (ABR) testing, this Kansas-based nurse was born deaf with an unknown cause. At age three, Nicole received a cochlear implant from Cochlear Corporation, which she still uses today. Her early years were filled with determination and support. Navigating K–12 education meant using ASL interpreters, attending speech therapy, and regular audiology appointments to stay on top of her hearing needs in addition to learning what K-12 students need to learn.
A Shift in Passion: From Vet Tech to Nurse
Cheyenne Nicole initially pursued a degree in Veterinary Technology but realized after a year and a half that her heart was elsewhere. With her mom’s encouragement, she tried the CNA (Certified Nursing Assistant) path and instantly found her passion to care for patients. From there, her healthcare career soared. She is now a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) with a multistate license, and holds four certifications:
Next on her journey? Earning her Registered Nurse (RN) license.
Defying Expectations in Healthcare
Being deaf in a hearing-centered industry has come with both challenges and victories. “People told me I couldn’t work in the medical field because of my hearing loss, but here I am, with four to five years of experience and thriving,” Nicole says. Nicole is proof that deaf professionals belong in healthcare.
Communication as Advocacy
Breaking down communication barriers has been key to Cheyenne Nicole’s success. “It wasn’t always easy,” she shares. “But I’ve learned to advocate for myself.”
She frequently educates others on how her cochlear implant works and encourages patients and colleagues to face her when speaking so she can read lips. These simple actions help foster understanding, clarity, and trust.
What is the Best Part of Being Deaf?
With a smile, Nicole says: “Not hearing negativity – literally!” But beyond the humor lies deep pride. “I love being deaf. It is part of who I am. I enjoy showing others what I’ve overcome.”
Inspiring a New Generation of Deaf Nurses
Cheyenne Nicole’s presence in the clinic is powerful. Every patient she serves witnesses capability, competence, and compassion as Cheyenne Nicole represents deaf providers in healthcare. Her daily work challenges misconceptions, inspires others, and opens doors for the next generation. She shows in action that deaf professionals belong in healthcare and bring a lot of value to the profession with their personal experiences.
Nicole’s advice? “Never let anyone tell you that you can’t do it—because YES, you can. Prove them wrong. If I can do it, you can, too.”
A Legacy of Empowerment
When asked what legacy she hopes to leave behind, she says: “I want to be remembered as a proud deaf nurse who inspires others. I hope my journey shows that being deaf isn’t a limitation, it is a strength.”
