Other Titles
Redefining Inclusion: The Lived Experience of Physically Disabled Nurses [Title Slide]
Abstract
Purpose: The purpose of this phenomenological study was to explore the lived experiences of inclusion among physically disabled nurses actively working in the United States, including how those experiences differ based on disability timing—before or after licensure. Current literature largely centers on sensory or learning disabilities within academic settings; thus, this study addresses a critical gap by focusing on inclusion within professional nursing practice.
Significance: Physically disabled nurses remain underrepresented and underexamined in nursing research and workforce discussions. Applying Critical Disability Theory (CDT)—a framework never before used in nursing—this study explores how ableism and inclusion shape workplace experiences and opportunities for belonging. Findings contribute to workforce equity efforts and inform organizational strategies that integrate disability inclusion into DEI initiatives, ultimately influencing retention, safety, and quality of care.
Methods: Descriptive phenomenology guided this study. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 15 registered nurses who self-identified as physically disabled. Eight participants had pre-existing disabilities prior to entering the profession, and seven acquired disabilities afterward. Data were thematically analyzed using NVivo software. Rigor was established through dual coding, member checking, and validation of emergent themes and subthemes.
Results: Six primary themes were identified—three barriers and three supports to inclusion—aligned with CDT domains of disability, bias, and advocacy. Nurses with acquired disabilities identified both barriers and potential supports, while those with pre-existing disabilities struggled to identify with inclusive spaces. The timing of disability influenced perceptions of inclusion, belonging, and possibility within the workplace.
Implications for Nursing Practice: Findings reveal an urgent need for organizational advocacy to address systemic ableism and promote disability inclusion in nursing. Integrating disability as a core component of DEI efforts can enhance workforce representation, improve staff well-being, and strengthen the culture of safety and belonging. This work supports future development of a Nursing Disability Theory and practical tools for assessing and improving inclusion across healthcare systems.
Notes
Presenter notes available in attached slide deck.
Reference list included in attached slide deck.
Sigma Membership
Non-member
Type
Presentation
Format Type
Text-based Document
Study Design/Type
Phenomenology
Research Approach
Qualitative Research
Keywords:
Equity, Bias, Inclusivity, Ethics, Workforce, Medical Personnel with Disabilities, Inclusion (Disability rights), Ableism, Experience, Prejudices, United States
Recommended Citation
Cameron, Vanessa, "Redefining Inclusion: The Lived Experience of Physically Disabled Nurses in the United States" (2026). Creating Healthy Work Environments (CHWE). 11.
https://www.sigmarepository.org/chwe/2026/presentations_2026/11
Conference Name
Creating Healthy Work Environments
Conference Host
Sigma Theta Tau International
Conference Location
Washington, DC, USA
Conference Year
2026
Rights Holder
All rights reserved by the author(s) and/or publisher(s) listed in this item record unless relinquished in whole or part by a rights notation or a Creative Commons License present in this item record. All permission requests should be directed accordingly and not to the Sigma Repository. All submitting authors or publishers have affirmed that when using material in their work where they do not own copyright, they have obtained permission of the copyright holder prior to submission and the rights holder has been acknowledged as necessary.
Review Type
Abstract Review Only: Reviewed by Event Host
Acquisition
Proxy-submission
Date of Issue
2026-04-22
Redefining Inclusion: The Lived Experience of Physically Disabled Nurses in the United States
Washington, DC, USA
Purpose: The purpose of this phenomenological study was to explore the lived experiences of inclusion among physically disabled nurses actively working in the United States, including how those experiences differ based on disability timing—before or after licensure. Current literature largely centers on sensory or learning disabilities within academic settings; thus, this study addresses a critical gap by focusing on inclusion within professional nursing practice.
Significance: Physically disabled nurses remain underrepresented and underexamined in nursing research and workforce discussions. Applying Critical Disability Theory (CDT)—a framework never before used in nursing—this study explores how ableism and inclusion shape workplace experiences and opportunities for belonging. Findings contribute to workforce equity efforts and inform organizational strategies that integrate disability inclusion into DEI initiatives, ultimately influencing retention, safety, and quality of care.
Methods: Descriptive phenomenology guided this study. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 15 registered nurses who self-identified as physically disabled. Eight participants had pre-existing disabilities prior to entering the profession, and seven acquired disabilities afterward. Data were thematically analyzed using NVivo software. Rigor was established through dual coding, member checking, and validation of emergent themes and subthemes.
Results: Six primary themes were identified—three barriers and three supports to inclusion—aligned with CDT domains of disability, bias, and advocacy. Nurses with acquired disabilities identified both barriers and potential supports, while those with pre-existing disabilities struggled to identify with inclusive spaces. The timing of disability influenced perceptions of inclusion, belonging, and possibility within the workplace.
Implications for Nursing Practice: Findings reveal an urgent need for organizational advocacy to address systemic ableism and promote disability inclusion in nursing. Integrating disability as a core component of DEI efforts can enhance workforce representation, improve staff well-being, and strengthen the culture of safety and belonging. This work supports future development of a Nursing Disability Theory and practical tools for assessing and improving inclusion across healthcare systems.
Description
Explore groundbreaking research revealing how physically disabled nurses experience inclusion in the workplace—and how timing of disability shapes those experiences. Learn how applying Critical Disability Theory to nursing uncovers barriers, supports, and opportunities for advocacy to create truly inclusive, healthy work environments for all nurses.