Worldwide Business with kathy ireland®
March 12, 2021
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The role of a deaf or hard-of-hearing nurse in today’s healthcare system is more important than ever. Deaf and hard-of-hearing professionals bring unique perspectives, strong communication skills, and lived experiences that enrich patient care. By increasing visibility, ensuring access, and providing inclusive personal protective equipment (PPE), healthcare organizations can empower these vital team members.
Highlighting the contributions of every deaf and hard-of-hearing nurse helps to mirror the demographics in healthcare with the community’s population. Representation matters—not only for colleagues but also for patients who may feel more comfortable when cared for by someone who shares their lived experience.
Clear communication is critical in medicine. Hospitals can support every deaf and hard-of-hearing nurse by providing access to interpreters, captioning services, captioned videos and training, and other technology that removes barriers to communication interactions. This accessibility improves accuracy, deepens collaboration, and ensures patient safety.
Traditional masks block lipreading and facial expressions. Inclusive solutions, like clear-window surgical masks or transparent N95 respirators, removes barriers and makes accessibility easier for deaf and hard-of-hearing nurse to communicate with patients and coworkers while still maintaining the highest level of protection.
Celebrating and supporting every deaf and hard-of-hearing nurse means fostering visibility, breaking down communication barriers, and ensuring equitable access to PPE. When healthcare systems prioritize accessibility, everyone benefits—providers, patients, and the healthcare system.
