Nurses with Type 1 Diabetes...?

Alisonisayoshi, LVN · Dec 31, 2012

I'm also a T1 nursing student! My 3rd CDE was a T1 and I was so inspired by her I decided to go for it! I get a lot of feedback that I will do well because I went in with a big advantage, a working medical knowledge of a disease, hospitalization, and medical care in general!

favoritemumsy · Jan 15, 2013

I am an RN with Type 1 Diabetes. Was diagnosed right after graduating nursing school. Worked in the Operating room for 14 years. Took 2 insulin injections a day for several years. It was always tricky keeping blood sugars in line with the crazy schedule of the OR. Eventually started using an insulin pump and made life so much easier. Don't know which treatment you are using but for me the pump definitely works better with a nurses schedule. Didn't matter if I got stuck scrubbed in all day and didn't get lunch relief. Always had a bag of jolly ranchers with me and if ever needed had access to juice and crackers as well. My peers took great care of me. Have been out of nursing for 10 years now raising family and looking to start back soon. Hoping to work on the floor as my only experience is the OR. Being a nurse with diabetes is very doable!! Just let everyone know so they can look out for you but also be prepared for the constant interest in your disease and advise on what and what not to eat!

ss624 · Feb 11, 2013

Hi! I'm a T1D as well:-) I've been a nurse for almost 5 years. I was working 8 hour shifts in a nursing home for 4 years, and now do 12 hours in a hospital. I must say that the adjustment to 12's wasn't easy, but after a few months my body adjusted as I predicted. I also use a pump and a CGM, which is a lifesaver!

I always make sure that around 9 or 10 am, no matter how busy I am, I have a snack. Then lunch a few hours later and another snack around 4 or 5 if I need it. This was very difficult when I was new and super busy, but it worked out. Also, keep hard candy in your pocket and a juice out in the breakroom for quick boosts :-)

iamnrn90 · Mar 10, 2014

But you guys never spiked? Even as a nursing student last year several hours into clinicals I would either drop or spike up, and yes my diet and insulin admin was controlled. I think I was nervous a lot too. Either way this makes me even more nervous to become a nurse because Ive been a patient in the hospital twice and for 12 hrs sometimes these nurses cannot eat. God help us!

fitzfan82 · May 5, 2014

I know this is an old thread, but me! I work in the POCU/PACU. I used to be on a pump, but am currently on a vacation from it and doing MDIs.

emmafleur18 · Jul 17, 2015

I realize this thread is a bit old, but I want some input!! :) I am T1D, have been for 15 years, and I am fascinated by trauma. I'm starting nursing school next year (ABSN or MEPN), and would love to do something fast-paced like trauma or ER work, but I'm not sure if it's feasible with type 1. I know that we should be able to "do anything" but if I'm putting my patients at risk because of a hypo, that's not good nursing. Any suggestions? Should I pursue trauma?