Andrea Dalzell, ‘The Seated Nurse’, Advocates for Disability Inclusion in Healthcare at Georgetown

On February 21, Andrea Dalzell, known as ‘The Seated Nurse’ on social media, delivered an inspiring talk at Georgetown University, highlighting her journey as a disabled nurse and her advocacy for disability inclusion in healthcare. Diagnosed with transverse myelitis at age five and using a wheelchair since twelve, Dalzell has faced and overcome significant challenges to pursue her passion for nursing. Her story is not just one of overcoming odds but also a call to action for more inclusive healthcare practices.

Breaking Barriers from High School to Healthcare

Dalzell’s advocacy journey began in high school, spurred by experiences of exclusion due to her disability. Despite discouragement and underestimation, she pursued a nursing career, initially aiming for a pre-medical track before realizing her passion lay in the human-centric nursing profession. Dalzell’s resilience shone through during her nursing education, where she faced skepticism but ultimately proved her competence and became a beacon of compassion in her field. Her employment breakthrough came during the COVID-19 pandemic, highlighting her expertise with ventilators in an ICU setting.

Advocacy for Inclusion and Respect

Through her platform, Life, Liberty, and the Pursuit of Access, Dalzell advocates for creating more inclusive opportunities for disabled individuals in healthcare. Her efforts aim to inspire change in healthcare practices to be more accommodating and respectful of all individuals, regardless of their abilities. Attendees of her talk, including students Natalie Fung and Neha Gunda, were moved by her story and motivated to advocate for inclusion and respect in healthcare settings.

Implications for Future Healthcare Practices

Dalzell’s journey and advocacy work underscore the urgent need for systemic changes within the healthcare industry to better accommodate and include disabled individuals, both as professionals and patients. By sharing her experiences and challenges, Dalzell not only provides a model of resilience and determination but also challenges societal norms and perceptions about disability. Her story is a powerful reminder of the importance of inclusion, empathy, and respect in fostering a more equitable healthcare environment.

As healthcare practices evolve, Dalzell’s advocacy offers valuable insights into how inclusivity can be enhanced, benefiting not just disabled individuals but the healthcare industry as a whole. Her work aligns with broader efforts to address inequalities in physical activity and well-being among disabled individuals, as discussed in research published by BMC Public Health. Ultimately, Dalzell’s story is a call to action for everyone within the healthcare ecosystem to embrace diversity and work collaboratively towards a more inclusive future.