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by VA-Alex

Hi. I am a 33 you mom of three kids. In my "first career" I was a teacher at comm college (English, ESL, and speech). I stayed home w/kids for 7 years and have been working on prereq for NS.

I just downloaded the form for the physical, which I have today. I am concerned that my old dx of epilepsy and asthma (no seizures for 3 years) will be held against me at NS.

Anyone know the deal with this? I am on meds and it is stable.

Thanks.

[jmgrn65]

Re: will my dx prevent me from entering NS?

many nurses have astma and I don't think epilepsy would be a problem either.
The only thing I caution about the asthma is how much days would you be calling off. Calling off puts a strain on the unit, and yes it is understandable reason. And it does fall under FMLA. So yes go for it.

[VA-Alex]

Re: will my dx prevent me from entering NS?

Mine is very mild asthma. I have never had to miss anything b/c of it. It is mostly induced by allergens. I have been working as a personal trainer for several years, teaching boot camp 2x a day with no problem. Thanks.

[1OldDinosaurRN]

Re: will my dx prevent me from entering NS?

Well controlled seizures and asthma should not be a reason for denial to nursing school. If they do deny you admission for that, I would seek legal advice, but I don't think they will. It is probably more for them to know what accommodations they might need to make for you, or if in emergency, they will know any conditions that they can relate to the EMS,drs, etc. My advice is if you want it, then go for it and don't let anyone stand in your way!!

[SAHStudent]

Re: will my dx prevent me from entering NS?

Contact your local state board of nursing if you have any question. They should have information as to what, if any, medical conditions are an issue for nursing school/nursing.

I can tell you epilepsy isn't an issue if you have it controlled. I assure you there are a lot of nurses out there with epilepsy.

If they deny you entry I would ask them why and if there's any chance it's medical you will likely have a legal case to fight.

I have epilepsy. It was diagnosed earlier this year. I'm 31 and have actually had it since I was 18 months old. I did not have a diagnosis to give my school. I just didn't tell them about the "attacks" because there was no name for them. I did tell them about the diagnosis just so they couldn't give me crap later on. I did this knowing they can't kick me out.

[Spidey's mom]

Re: will my dx prevent me from entering NS?

I had my 1st seizure almost 4 years ago at work - 2nd one 3 months later. I went on meds after that and have not had another.

The other posters are right - if employers or schools turned down everyone who had an illness, there would be NO employees or students.

Good luck!

steph

[DGR08]

Re: will my dx prevent me from entering NS?

I have Asthma. I carry my inhailer with me while in clinicals. I have had no issues fortunately, where I needed to use my medicines. As for epilpsey, I believe there is some sort of program in all schools that assist with medical issues, American Disabilities Act (ADA) http://www.usdoj.gov/crt/ada/adahom1.htm. These maybe the people to ask concerning your questions.
good luck. Dennis

[Nat Hyland]

I should hope that neither of these diagnoses should prevent you from nursing.

Hi Alex

I sort of understand where you are coming from. I am currently studying for a degree in Mental Health nursing. I am 34, and have had hydrocephalus since I was 2 months old (as a result of meningitis). I also had epilepsy for a number of years (although not now) and suffer asthma occasionally. I have had many experiences of discrimination in my life, but my way of preventing it is to prove myself. I believe I am just as capable (or more so) as any other person of performing a job for which I've been trained, and find such discrimination entirely uncalled for.

You should just keep doing what you're doing and you will reach your goal in the end.

Nat.

[Tweety]

Re: will my dx prevent me from entering NS?

If you MD deems you medically fit, then you certainly can have any number of diagnosises in your history and be a nurse.

The question is "can you physically perform your job?". Sounds like the answer is yes.

Good luck!

[banditrn]

Re: will my dx prevent me from entering NS?

It sounds like you are healthy - and these diagnoses will just serve to make you more aware - and can also help in patient teaching.

About the asthma - I don't have it, but I AM allergic to strong ODORS such as perfumes, cleaners, etc.

Depends on where you work and how those things affect you, how compliant the department will be!

When I worked in ICU, it was the unit policy that no one use perfume, perfumed lotion, etc. No one had a problem - I wasn't the only person to have a problem with it.

When I moved to Ambulatory Surgery - they were butts about it - wanted to rub that stinking lotion all over, even tho it was against hospital policy.