Pre Nursing with cosmetic medical condition?

Nursing Students Pre-Nursing

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Hey all! I am taking the last of my prereqs for my area's RN program right now. I am very excited at the thought of getting into nursing school and becoming a RN. I have a 4.0 GPA and like going to school. I have always wanted to be a nurse. I dropped out of high school when I was a teenager for no good reason. Now, at the age of 30 I have gotten my GED and I am enrolled in my third semester of college. However, I have a medical condition that is very embarassing. It's only cosmetic, but I constantly worry that this will prevent me from following my dream. Anyone have any advice for a hopefully soon to be nursing student about the situation? Thanks!

Specializes in GI.

Sick and dying patients aren't going to care if you look like Gollum from Lord of the Rings or Jessica Biel. They are only concerned about good quality care. No need to give up your dream. Good luck!

It sounds like you have overcome a few hurdles already.

Good for you!

Don't let a cosmetic reason stop you.

It's brains that are important.

Good luck in your continued effort to make improvements in your life!

Thank you both. I have vitiligo and some days it doesn't bother me at all and I could care less about. Then some days I worry myself sick over it. I guess I worry because it is such a rare condition. I have only seen about 3 other people with it in my entire life.

Sick and dying patients aren't going to care if you look like Gollum from Lord of the Rings or Jessica Biel. They are only concerned about good quality care. No need to give up your dream. Good luck!

wow that was pretty harsh and unnecessary:facepalm:. To anng303 I also had to deal with a cosmetic medical issue, I tried to used make up to cover it up. If you are really concerned you can do the same:up:

I knew a gal that had vitiligo... drop dead gorgeous she was.

She just wore make up.

But you don't have to unless you want to, of course.

Just exude confidence!

I've worked with folks with cleft lips and missing digits and no one cared.

It was their intelligence and work ethic that counted.

I have a girlfriend with vitiligo, She is a wonderful pediatric oncology nurse and she says that her condition actually helps her relate to her patients. She has it mostly on her arms and under her eyes I remember as a kid she was always self conscious, but I'm so glad she was never concerned enough to let it stunt her in her dreams of becoming a wonderful nurse!

Congrats on the awesome GPA by the way, you clearly know what you want I hope you go out there and get it!!

Specializes in Forensic Psych.

wow that was pretty harsh and unnecessary:facepalm:. To anng303 I also had to deal with a cosmetic medical issue, I tried to used make up to cover it up. If you are really concerned you can do the same:up:

It's hyperbole, not an inference about the OP.

OP, don't let it stop you! You deserve the career you dream of, and you can help countless people regardless of your complexion :)

I don't think the quote from Scrubmouse RN words were harsh... Too me it looked like he or she was just making lite of it... that it does not matter what you look like as a nurse, and that patients prefer good quality care. I would. This may have been taken out of context? Yet, I can't defend for this person... Just my thoughts. Blessings for a wonderful evening~

I am blind in my left eye and have now had a prosthetic for almost 11 years. I totally get being self conscious. Children are always asking me what is wrong with my eye, but by now it is just a good conversation starter. I was afraid it would keep me from being able to nurse but I have spoken with several schools and they said they would accept me. So hey I say keep the great GPA and get out there and accomplish your dreams! I am about to be 32 and am working on my pre reqs with hopes to accomplish mine. You got this :up:

Thanks for the encouraging words! Good luck to you as well!

I'm with the others. It may make you more open to patients. A girl in my speech class had a port wine stain. It covered a portion of her face and hands if I recall. I didn't know what it was at the time, in my head I referred to it as a birthmark. She later did an "informative" speech and explained about her condition. She used it to her advantage. You probably will have opportunities to do that too.

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