Best jobs for nurses with seizures

nursing81student · Oct 20, 2010

Until you get an all clear you could always think about going into teaching of some sort, a "school nurse" type role, an adminstrative/office position, etc.

pednursedeb · Mar 9, 2011

I've been a nurse for 25 years. I've had seizures since I was 32. (partial complex) I recently had a seizure in a pt room. I'm off work at present. I'm very concerned I'm going to lose my job. My neurologist has given me the ok to go back to work, but I have to meet with my nurse manager and DON this week.

I can't be the only nurse with seizures.

The sad thing is I love nursing. I don't think I would make a good teacher.

I can't afford not to work and I really need the insurance, mainly for my seizure medications. They are expensive.

I'm pretty down right now, but maybe I will get to keep my job or some paperwork job at the place I work.

To answer your question about best jobs for nurses with seizures. I wish I knew the answer because I'm looking for it too.

Good luck to you and I will place you in my prayers. I know being newly diagnosed is difficult. Seizures really do mess with your life, but for me it could be worse. I'm healthy otherwise.

mrscat · Apr 9, 2011

I work in the uk, so the rules maybe a bit different, if you have seizures that are continuing you are unable to have direct patient contact, it is too much of a health and safety issue. Some nurses go into a more of an admin role and teaching roles, we also have a national call centre operated by nurses who give direct advice over the phone to people who are worried about their health. If you have been sezuire free for two years you would then be able to go back to direct patient care as long as you were never left alone on a ward etc.

wishing you luck

jackie

LovebugLPN · Apr 9, 2011

I am a LPN so teaching is not in the cards for me. I had to quit my job as an agency nurse 2 years ago. I was seizure free for a year and tried to return to nursing but whenever I was asked why I left my last job I thought I should be honest. I soon learned it would have been better if I said I was fired for killing someone. Epilepsy scares people and even in healthcare people react badly to it. My neurologist suggested I apply for disability and since then I have been receiving it. I keep looking for another job in nursing but no bites yet. Good luck in your search.

pednursedeb · Apr 10, 2011

Thanks for everyone's reply to my question about best jobs for nurses with seizures. So far I have kept my job. After 2 all clears from 2 physicians. I have changed meds and am hoping for the best.

I can't teach because I only have a ADN and there just aren't many school nursing jobs.

I am continuing to look for jobs that don't include bedside nursing if I have too.

I love what I do and I do understand patient safety. Good luck to everyone else

with this problem.

noreenl · Apr 11, 2011

Have you ever considered teaching CNAs and HHAs? i did for 2 yrs after hurting my back and it was one of the most satisfying times in my career!

teenastewartRN · Jul 20, 2011

I have the same problem...Complex Partials, but in addition I have cataract on both eyes and cannot drive due to both issues at this point. I cannot have cataract surgery until I've been seizure free for 3 months, and they are still not under control. Thinking of filing for at least temporary disability. Have not worked in 2 years. I'm an RN, and live at least 40 miles from the nearest healthcare facility. Now I'm so depressed I can't function. This is my livlihood, and my family is out of money....especially with all the doctors and testing they do. I wish I had some advice for you, but I don't have any for myself either! HELP! I wish you the best!

xtxrn, ASN, RN · Jul 22, 2011

I've had temporal lobe seizures (left sided, and mostly nocturnal per video EEG) since I was a teenager (a LONG time ago :)). I worked for 19 years, most of that time being fairly well controlled- no restrictions. I've had auras, and a weird "don't drive today" feeling that has never failed me. I worked staff, charge, supervisory, and dept head positions- it wasn't an issue, and I did tell employers.

7 years ago, everything changed, and I was having them very often- and shipped out of work by EMS at least 8-10 times (I don't remember any of the ambulance trips). I ended up having to go on disability, for epilepsy along with other neurological problems, and then more stuff started going wrong. :crying2:

If you have short term disability, or can take some time to get meds regulated, without the stress of work, I'd consider it. The stress of having to be "ok" for work makes things so much worse, and the microscope that some mgmt can put people under, while sometimes understandable, is very difficult to work under. :eek:

((((hugs))))