Andrea Dalzell is The Seated Nurse

Andrea Dalzell was told she could never become a nurse because of her disability. Never tell Andrea what she can and can’t do.At five years old, Andrea was diagnosed with Transverse Myelitis (TM), a neurological condition that causes paralysis. However, growing up using a wheelchair didn't stop her from pursuing a career in health care.Today, Andrea is a registered nurse, disability advocate, and speaker. She studied biology and neuroscience in college to earn an associate’s and bachelor’s degree in nursing (RN, BSN). As the first registered nurse who uses a wheelchair in New York City, thousands of clinicians, caregivers, and wheelchair users follow Andrea’s career pursuits as The Seated Nurse on Instagram.Unhidden and unapologetically, Andrea is a queer, black woman with a disability.Topics Discussed:Faith and Identity: Sometimes shifts or stays stagnateWhy me? Why God? Why a diagnosis transforms a person’s lifeDoctors, Prayers, and Pain: Need to be cured and whole in normal societySpecial Ed Student: Picked on and scolded because of physical disabilityMy Mom, My Advocate: Disability doesn’t define or determine abilityRage and Rebellion: Going against society when not allowed to be normalAccessibility: Find your voice and strength to ask for help as a human beingWhy Nursing School? Holistic approach to whole patient, not their diagnosisAll About Me to Advocacy Work: People with disabilities want equal opportunitiesFake It to Make It: Understand that you’re worthy, deserving, and includedLove Yourself: Mental health is what’s most important, so take care of youLinks and Resources:The Seated Nurse on Instagram Transverse Myelitis (TM) Ms. Wheelchair NY: ‘Life, Liberty And The Pursuit Of Access’Queerology Podcast on InstagramQueerology Podcast on TwitterBeyond Shame by Matthias RobertsBeyond Shame Healing Day Hosted by Matthias RobertsMatthias Roberts on PatreonAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy