Any Diabetic nurses out there?

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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.:o

Specializes in Endocrine (Diabetes), Pediatric Psych.

Great to hear that i'm not by myself!! I'm type 1 - 18 years - have an insulin pump - the trick for me was cutting the basals and then giving my meal boluses using the dual wave option - so that way, if I got called away to do something and then couldn't eat for a bit, then at least I wouldn't have a massive amount of active insulin - and that way i can still follow the "give 15 minutes before" rule without crashing...

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Specializes in Oncology.
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!

Do you think you could get a pump? Are you interested in pumping? It's way, way, way easier to deal with nursing on a pump.

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Specializes in Oncology.
Great to hear that i'm not by myself!! I'm type 1 - 18 years - have an insulin pump - the trick for me was cutting the basals and then giving my meal boluses using the dual wave option - so that way, if I got called away to do something and then couldn't eat for a bit, then at least I wouldn't have a massive amount of active insulin - and that way i can still follow the "give 15 minutes before" rule without crashing...

I'm in the bad habit of bolusing after I eat, but it works decently for me.

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hi, i am going to start nursing school in the fall for my rn. i recently switched back to nursing. my question is i am a type 1 diabetic since i was 9 and i am 18 now. i was wondering what are peoples opinions on it if it is worth me doing school. or if i wont be able to take care of myself and just try radiology or sonography. I really want to do nursing but worried about my diabetes.. i hate being told i cant do something because of the disease but yea.. have to do what is best

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yea my bs are like a roller coaster i think they are still settling from the hormones and all.. i do not have a pump i use the insulin pump i want to get back on the pump but am horrible at records so i am trying but with school and work and a realtionship its hard.. i have manages to lower my a1c slowly so i am proud of that.. i just have a lot of people telling me that i wont be able to be a nurse that i "cant do it".. this is very discouraging.. i have wanted to be a nurse since 7th grade but then switch to education because of peoples antagonzing and now i am switching back during my sophmore year..

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Specializes in Medical and general practice now LTC.

I have known a few diabetic nurses and as long as you look after yourself and maintain your treatment I can see no problems.

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I'm not a nurse yet -- applying to Nursing School at Ohio State University in January. However, I was diagnosed with juvenile diabetes about three and a half years ago. I'm thankful for my diabetes for making me a stronger person and enhancing my desire to become a nurse.

My only worry is that my juvenile diabetes (and hypothyroidism which comes along, too) will prevent me from pursuing my decision to join the Army Nurse Corps after graduation from Nursing School.

I hope everything turns out for the best!

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yea as far as i know if you are diabetic you cannot be in the military

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Specializes in Oncology.

My only worry is that my juvenile diabetes (and hypothyroidism which comes along, too) will prevent me from pursuing my decision to join the Army Nurse Corps after graduation from Nursing School.

Yep, I'm sorry, but it will.

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I developed diabetes in nursing school and have been successfully managing it 1& 1/2 rears after graduating, the military is obviously not your only option for work. Hang in there.

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I came to this blog to find encouragement about my career decision to be a nurse, but am kind of disappointed with the results. I've been a type 1 diabetic for 6 years now, and never thought it was going to slow me down. I've decided to be a nurse because of my endocrinologist! The care that they have given me has made me want to spread the love! I thought I would come to this site and find great success stories of nurses with diabetes, but it looks like I'm going to have to write that story for myself. Don't give up hope nurses! Innovations such as insulin pumps and continuous glucose monitioring are going to make your lives so much easier! Plus the new clause added to the Americans with Disabilities Act officially inacted as law today!!!!(I am a 5 year pumper and plan to start continous glucose monitoring next year when I leave for college):nurse:

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Ah, I too am a type 1 diabetic of 16 years. I just got into nursing school and I am hoping that my diabetes won't in the way of my career choice. I'm on the pump as well. Diabetes hasn't stopped me from pursing any of my other dreams, so I'll be darned if it stops me now. ;-p

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