A wannabe nurse with health problems, looking for encouragement.

allnurses Guide · May 30, 2012

It is a little hard to tell with the information you provided. Are you able to stand for long hours? Any impairment to mental function? How about manual dexterity, such as using your fingers for fine motor movements? Do you have good strength, enough to help move patients in bed?

The information you provided doesn't show any reason why you can't be a nurse.

KaitlinG · May 30, 2012

My apologies!

I do not have any of those issues. My main concern would be the unpredictability of surgeries, recovery time, etc. I guess I am just worried about having to take time off (especially when it comes to nursing school), but not necessarily my abilities as a nurse when I am AT work.

I guess maybe that answers my question? :) It's a life-altering disease but I don't want it to control me any more than it has.

I appreciate your reply!

allnurses Guide · May 30, 2012

How often have you typically had to have surgery, and take off from work?

It doesn't sound like your disease causes you major physical impairment from

what you have said, so you should be able to do the job of a nurse. Once

you have been at a job for a year, FMLA covers you should you have to take

off work for surgery.

Nursing SCHOOL, I'm afraid, is another issue. If you needed to have surgery,

you would most likely have to wait until your semester is over, have the

surgery, then use your break between semesters to recover.

My husband and daughter also have a genetic condition that causes tumors,

but I'm betting that it isn't the same condition. Their condition DOES tend

to cause orthopedic problems and therefore, problems with walking, hand

dexterity, etc..

KaitlinG · May 30, 2012

Well, my surgeries have been pretty common in the last few years, but I am hoping they will slow down now. I had surgery in 2005, 2010, and this year (about 2 months ago). I also have MRI's, CT scans, blood work (no biggie, LOL), and GI Scopes every 6-12 months. It's a real pain in the butt, but I am alive! And that is really the attitude I have about going in to nursing as well. I might have challenges that keep me from the job at times, but I don't want it to keep me from doing something I really want to do.

I don't have much physical impairment, no. My last two surgeries were major, though, with long recoveries (I had a thymectomy, which is open chest, and a distal pancreatectomy). My pancreatectomy (8 weeks ago) causes a concern for hernias, so that is really my only hesitation.

What is the name of the condition that your husband and daughter have? I have MEN-1 (it's endocrine).

allnurses Guide · May 31, 2012

It sounds like you could probably manage this. I had not thought about school but yeah, that will be the big issue. They are strict about absences. Just ask your doctor to work closely with you to ensure you can finish school with minimal interruption and then utilize your breaks to take care of things that need taking care of. I am sure with all you have experienced you will bring a lot of understanding of the patient's side of things to the table.

jypsyone · Jun 1, 2012

I am looking to start a new chapter to my life. I took an early retirement from my job as a psych tech. Big mistake! I am having trouble finding a job even part time. I have now decided to return to school. For the first time in my life I can devote all my time to this endeavor. I started the process twenty-five years ago but due to family and working kept putting it on hold. My question is at 55 am I too old to do this. I has been my goal since I was a child. Also any tips as to how I can get cedit as a psych tech? Should I just give up? I really want to go to school.