Born Deaf Nurse Breaks Barriers at Bedside

Cheyenne Nicole overcomes challenges to build successful nursing career

Published on Feb. 11, 2026

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Cheyenne Nicole, a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) at Ascension Via Christi St. Teresa in Wichita, was born completely deaf in both ears but has built a successful nursing career through a combination of personal resilience and technological support. Despite facing skepticism, Nicole has found ways to provide exceptional patient care with the help of accommodations like specialized stethoscopes that connect to her cochlear implant.

Why it matters

Nicole's experience demonstrates how appropriate accommodations can enable qualified nurses with disabilities to continue with direct bedside patient care, challenging historical barriers in the nursing profession for practitioners with disabilities.

The details

Nicole uses a cochlear implant and her workplace has implemented several accommodations to support her practice, including technology-appropriate phones and equipped stethoscopes that connect to her implant and transmit heart sounds. The nursing profession has historically presented barriers for practitioners with disabilities, but Nicole's story shows how determination and institutional support can enable nurses with disabilities to thrive.

  • Cheyenne Nicole has been an LPN at Ascension Via Christi St. Teresa in Wichita.

The players

Cheyenne Nicole

A Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) at Ascension Via Christi St. Teresa in Wichita who was born completely deaf in both ears.

Kyle Stilwell

The house supervisor at Ascension Via Christi St. Teresa who says Cheyenne "uses her heart" in her nursing practice.

Erika Troutman

The Chief Nursing Officer who recognizes Nicole's contributions and ability to overcome obstacles to have an amazing nursing career.

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What they’re saying

“It's hard being a new nurse, and with anybody with a disability, they usually have to compensate. Cheyenne uses her heart.”

— Kyle Stilwell, House Supervisor (nurse.org)

“Any time you face an obstacle, it's incredible to see somebody that's able to overcome those and find meaningful ways that they can still function day to day and have an amazing career, like being a bedside nurse.”

— Erika Troutman, Chief Nursing Officer (nurse.org)

What’s next

Nicole plans to continue her nursing education, working toward becoming a Registered Nurse (RN) in the near future while maintaining her position at St. Teresa.

The takeaway

Nicole's story represents an important reminder for the nursing profession: with proper accommodations, determination, and institutional support, nurses with disabilities can provide exceptional care while advancing their careers, challenging historical barriers in the field.