Can having absence seizures prevent becoming a nurse anesthetist

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I am currently a nurse and am looking into higher education career paths. Anesthesia is a particular interest of mine, but I have concerns on whether my absence seizures will prevent me from becoming one. When I take my medication they are controlled and even if one does occur they are between 1-3 seconds causing me to stop motor movements. I know that if you are inducing an anesthetic to someones spine, eye, etc. a 1-3 second seizure could have drastic consequences. Will medical administration consider this a reason to block certification or even pass on acceptance into a CRNA program?

You are 100% correct about the 3 seconds being forever and not only the risk of injury on the patient. I would be devastated if anything happened to a patient because of this condition. Having the seizures affect my work was a concern of mine when starting as a nurse but after 3 years experience with no seizure activity during work I feel confident I can advance my career without further problems. Although the future is never certain. I have worked in critical care my entire time as a nurse because I love the environment and it fuels my passion at work. In response to working hours I feel I am in a "better than most" position. The extended hour shifts have not been a problem because it opens more time off consecutively. The weekends have been a little tough but my wife has been my support system. Holidays have been easy because my no travel is required. I would be concerned about the inability to know when you will be off work. The full bladder will need careful concentration and I will have to cut down on my water intake but I hear adult diapers are making a comeback. I see you have 41 years of experience and would love to know what has been your proudest moment as an anesthetist, most difficult day on the job, and how you have compensated for the difficulties you stated above. Being an anesthetist in NY, I am sure you have experienced more than most and it would improve my understanding of a future in anesthesia.

I meant no sudden movements but I'm sure your response is the same.

True, there are many avenues for a nurse and I am looking into all of them to find out what is best for me. Anesthesia is one that is a serious consideration of mine.

This is a very important question to answer. I have thought about this before. My answer so far is I would be fine with it knowing that it is so minor but, I feel I am biased because of my want to pursue this path. I will need to survey some others without a truly unbiased answer. Do you think is a better way to answer this question?

These are very valid points especially the court case and marketability. The fact that I have to say "seizure history" is sure to have a negative effect on both cases. I didn't mean my limbs move, this was a typo and I meant no movement in motor functions. I am sure your answer is still the same I just wanted to clear this up because I didn't want you to get the wrong impression. If there was any movement in my limbs there is no way I would even consider this. I actually freeze when I have one but this can also be just as devastating in medical situations.

so sorry for all the responses going off of my typo, please correct with no limb movement not "now" limb movement

You might want to contact malpractice carriers to see if they would insure you with your condition. I'd guess that no one will hire someone that can't be insured.

Specializes in M/S, LTC, Corrections, PDN & drug rehab.

I know you really want to be a CRNA but I would consider looking into different areas of nursing. If you had an absence seizure during your job I can bet you more than anything you would get fired because you would be a liability.

They might even ask in the interview if you have any medical conditions or if you're on any medications. And right then & there they might not hire you. They won't tell you it's because of your seizures, but to them you can be a liability.

Working as a nurse with seizures vs. working as a CRNA are completely different.

Specializes in Med nurse in med-surg., float, HH, and PDN.

Wouldn't want you as a CRNA, myself, if I was on the table.......sorry.

It seems like your mind is made up, so why bother asking for other people's opinion?

No matter how much I desire becoming a CRNA if no one will hire me because I am a liability, why spend the time and money? Being a realist again. Either way I will need to do more research into , hospital interviews/hiring, and limitations of having a history of seizures. Your right though, it is my life and it is time to start taking steps in the right direction in what I want to do. Thanks

Specializes in CRNA, Finally retired.

I don't think it would every come to not being hired. I don't think that you would ever even be accepted into a program. I was trying to be gentle before, but frankly, I don't believe you can be accepted into an anesthesia program. Let's put reality aside for a moment; even if you graduated from a program, you have to go through credentialing process every two years. And they specifically ask if there are any conditions that would interfere with your performance. I don't think anyone is going to check that off as a "no." There are sooooo many avenues to take in advanced practice. Why choose one that's such a poor match? You'll be able to use your brains and make more money in many areas that don't require psychomotor skills.

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