Best jobs for nurses with multiple sclerosis?

[pauladunlap]

Hi! I'm new to this forum and I'm happy to have found it! I am an RN and am currently not working. I have multiple sclerosis, but am still very active, although I would not be able to return to the rigorous med/surg nursing I once did. I worked in my husband's office for a few years (he was an oral surgeon). Tragically, he died last fall of cancer. Now I would like to return to work, but on a part time basis, and something not too physically demanding. I like direct patient care. Any feedback you offer will be much appreciated. Thanks!

[Ellie G]

Sorry about your husband OP. I have MS and had to leave 12 hour night ICU because it was so physically and mentally demanding. I am now a "helper" nurse. I assist with IV starts, I place PICC lines at the bedside and I am on the code and RRT and code STEMI and code stroke teams. I also do some chart auditing for core measures. I usually do fairly well on medications except for neuropathy, some inability to empty my bladder, and dragging my right foot. This last weekend was awful. I had no time to self cath and had an overflow incontinence episode and I limped around all night. I have four years to full retirement and this last week has me seriously questioning whether or not I can do it. As a single person, there is no one to help pay the bills and I am frightened when I think of the future if I am not able to stay at work. I dont know what I would do.

[mab4430]

Hello....I'm a new nurse and starring to apply for jobs....I was diagnosed with MS at age 17 and have just started therapy 3 years ago (I am now 30).I have been getting medications through MS lifelines. I am worried that I have to say I have ms in order to get insurance...how will this affect my future job...I do not know if I will be able to get health insurance with a preexisting diagnosis. Any advice on how to deal with this ?

[gady]

I was diagnosed with ms three weeks ago, I'm an MICU nurse, one semester away from finishing grad school, mother of 4 young children, oldest is 7, youngest just turned one. I've been functioning on a super human level for a while now and I'm pretty sure my hectic schedule contributed to triggering MS.I haven't returned to work because I can't safely drive due to numbness and tingling on my feet. I'm trying to figure out where to go from here when I'm able to safely drive. Any tips will be appreciated.

[Ellie G]

First of all may I say how sorry I am for your diagnosis. MS makes any job more challenging and nursing can be a very physically demanding occupation. I ended up retiring this year at the age of 62, 4 years before I wanted to because I simply couldn't work through vision problems, numbness tingling and discomfort in my legs and feet and crippling fatigue. There are many things you can do with physical limitations: nursing informatics, QA/CQI, case management, diabetes educator. I would suggest you think of some things you like to do and then look for the job that seems to have the best fit. You can google the skills you would need with a graduate degree, many more doors are open to you. Take care of yourself, and get plenty of rest.

[Ellie G]

I originally answered your question and I felt I needed to update my reply to you. Unfortunately I had a major exacerbation of my MS. Double vision, couldn't feel my feet and bladder issues. I eventually had to retire after 3 falls. One of those falls was onto a patient. I was lucky. I'm 62 and worked for the same employer for 19 years. It was so hard to leave but it was the best thing for me. I still fall at home and I usually have a nice collection of bruises. I don't drive at night because my vision problems make it more dangerous

[TikiBSN]

Sounds like you live in Washington state.

[SouthpawRN]

a couple of links that might be of interest to you

Search Facebook for Exceptional Nurse

Exceptional Nurse | Welcome

National Organization of Nurses with Disabilities – NOND is the voice of disability in nursing!

[jessegramm55]

I am a 64 year old female, I was diagnosed of Multiple Sclerosis (MS) in 2008 (MRI), my symptoms started out with severe fatigue, poor balance, numbness, double vision, heat intolerance and anxiety. I was unable to go back to work, I tried Betaseron for about 6 years. Tried every shot available, all made me sick.

In November 2015, I started on Multiple Sclerosis (MS) Herbal formula from NewLife Clinic, the treatment worked incredibly for my MS condition. I used the NewLife MS Herbal formula for a total time period of 4 months, it totally reversed my Multiple Sclerosis. I had a total decline of all symptoms including vision problems, numbness and others. Sometimes, i totally forget i ever had Multiple Sclerosis.

[Alex Egan, LPN, EMT-B]

Home health PDN may be a good match. Lots of teach vent babies that require nursing care but very little physical demand. Agency's and family's can be pretty understanding of exacerbation of symptoms and needing a flexible schedule. "Can be" being the operative word there.