Any nurses who have been diagnosed with MS?

Ellie G · Mar 8, 2017

I am an RN with MS. I worked fine, for the most part, for many years with it but in the last year I had more and more problems with falls. I fell 3 times at work, the last time I actually fell onto a patient. I had to write up the fall on the patient and I was questioned extensively as to what happened. I was having a lot of trouble with balance and would hold on to the rails in the hallway. It was a struggle. Also I was treated with steroids in the beginning of the last exacerbation and found myself with c-diff. That was miserable. I had been on FMLA for 7 weeks and then was back for 2 weeks and off again. I know it was a hassle for my employer. I worked for the same hospital for 19 years. I decided to retire (I'm 62). I would say that if your MS is well controlled and your fatigue is not too overwhelming and you can meet the physical requirements that you should be fine. Just know that an acute exacerbation could lead to a long period of reduced ability to work. For me, I stayed at the same hospital and was a good worker. If you decide to go ahead, do not be a job hopper. If you are seen as a good reliable employee they will be more likely to work with you. Good luck.