Any Diabetic nurses out there?

[turtletyme]

I have been a diabetic for 22 years and now on the insulin pump. I am a new nurse. I just want to know how others manage their diabetes and work as a nurse. I have found it to be very hard and challenging. I was hired to work on a women's unit, instead it is a catch all unit. I say this because they remodeled and made all private rooms(our unit is the only one in the hospital with private rooms). We have alot of nursing home patients as well as the ones that are not expected to live long. I work nights with one other nurse and maybe an aide if we are lucky. Anyway, this is killing my health. I am wondering if I should have become a nurse if this is how nursing is going to be. I love taking care of people but not at my health's expense. I know for a fact, medical surgical is not my cup of tea it never was in school. I need to find a job that will help me to heal again. I have worked hard to get my BSN degree and I am so hurt that my first job has been a disappointment.

[C_raye]

disregard this second post, same as the first thanks

[DogloverinCA]

Hi!

I am Type 1 Diabetic (adult onset Type 1), using an insulin pump for 1 year and have been a nurse for 2 years. I have worked exclusively in the ER. It was the only place I ever wanted to work. I love working the ER but it has taken a toll on me: My A1C has gone up to .4 from where I was before I started nursing.

I find my sugars are all over the place (but I tend to make bad food choices when at work otherwise I watch what I eat on days off.) Glad to hear there are others out there like me :-)

Has anyone had any problems with management or your colleagues when they find out you are Diabetic? Most of my co-workers have been supportive to my face (who knows what they say behind my back though?) I even had a co-worker who was also Diabetic. Management however was not so supportive and used my disability as a way to get me to leave :-(

[love2barn]

I am currently finishing my rn pre-reqs and hope to start the rn program in the next year. I have had type 1 diabetes since childhood. I never thought of this disease as a disability, but now wonder how I will adjust not having a chance to eat because of a busy schedule. I am a very healthy,disiplined eater and control my b.s. with diet & exercise. I average about 13 units a day. Is it possible to grab a banana or something if you need it? What problems do you have while working. Any info would be appreciated. Thanks!

[turtletyme]

Sorry, I have been busy. I have moved to Arkansas since my last post.I am happier here...my family is here. I am working in a federal hospital the pay is better, nurses are nicer but the nurse load is crazy. I want to stick with this job but I do have my eyes open to switching to another area when I can.

[sofaraway04]

I have had diabetes for 8 years and been an RN for just over a year. i haven't found many problems. the biggest thing is night shifts, whilst my basal is spot on for nights when I'm alseep, nights where i'm working and active I do need to carb up a bit to prevent lows.

I work on a medical ward with diabetes speciality so my colleagues are pretty understanding, they all know and say to just take an extra break if I need (i haven't had to yet). One of my colleagues, an HCA has diabetes too and often has big swings and has to sit at the nurses station for a while due to hypo's.

[StarsNStripes]

It's reassuring to hear I'm not the only one who's dealing with this. I have to take frequent breaks to grab a snack or I find I get really shakey too.

[love2barn]

Can you carry glucose tablets or something in your pocket. Also, do you where a pump? When my sugars drop gradual, I wont notice a low til my b.s. hits 30-40 than I need to take action fast. How much insulin do you take a day? I have a hard time regulating because I dont take that much. Carb to insulin ratio is 1:50

[1HOTERMAMA]

I am also a type I 22 year diabetic on a pump! I work in the ER and rarely have time to pee let alone eat right. I have found the solution to avoiding lows at work. Set up patterns or temporary basal rate 10% less than normal. I resisted doing this for a long time but it really works!!!

[love2barn]

I get worried about not being able to eat. Are you able to put a granola bar or life savers in a pocket? I always have to lower basal rates when I am on the go. Like today, I was shopping all day & didn't bolus before lunch plus turned off pump for 2 hours. Now I have a rebound from no insulin & bs going up. BS are a constant yo-yo.

[blondy2061h, MSN, RN]

I was diagnosed with diabetes my first year of nursing school, and went on the pump about a year later.

I wear my pump clipped to the waist of my scrub pants, and find my shirt generally covers it completely. No one has said anything about it yet.

I generally use an 85% temp basal at work just to be safe, and correct if I need to. I keep fruit snacks in my pocket and my meter close by, usually in the break room. I test a LOT at work.

I work 12 hr nights and everything and really don't run into problems. I think the big key if you're on a pump is having good basals set and accurately bolusing. Easier said than done, right?

[seattlerainsun]

I have Type 1, take insulin w/an insulin pen, test very frequently. I'm just getting in to nursing - finishing up my pre-reqs and starting applications for next Fall (major career change...!). I'm so glad to see that there are other diabetic nurses out there. And this is such a nice support system. I wondered if you all had suggestions for particular areas of nursing - or types or organizations to work for - that might be well suited for diabetics. The eating at normal times, or just being able to test / treat low blood sugars has me a little concerned. Thanks very much - I really appreciate your input!

[bigdog99]

I am a male, 33 with type 1. I am on an insulin pump and this seems to be working well. I am in Indianna State U RN progam.

I hope that the struggle is worth the end result. -Pete.