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?

This is true, my CRNA goals were mainly driven due to my close relatives who are in the medical field, some specifically anesthetists. Time to look towards non psychomotor skills.

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

I can't be a CRNA either so don't feel bad! 😜

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Specializes in CRNA, Finally retired.
This is true, my CRNA goals were mainly driven due to my close relatives who are in the medical field, some specifically anesthetists. Time to look towards non psychomotor skills.

Good luck to you. I think I am the last generation that got to retire at 66. You will probably have to work longer. If I had to do it all over again, I would have picked something less physically demanding so that I could work, at least, part-time. For me, it would be neurology - can't imagine any body system more fascinating and complex, but the basic plumbing of cardiology is also a draw. You will probably have even more opportunities than we nurses had back in the 80's when we chose our masters' program. Have fun!

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I know that if you are inducing an anesthetic to someones spine, eye, etc. a 1-3 second seizure could have drastic consequences.

I say go for it. I mean, what's the worst that could happen? And, after all,. it is what you really want to do.

I think your concerns are spot on. As long as somebody will hire you, and you can get enough insurance to cover any law suits, you should be fine.

All these folks citing patient safety concerns are ignoring the fact that you went a whole three years without your illness harming a patient, so surely it won't happen in the future.

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Specializes in CRNA, Finally retired.

Are you a CRNA? Do you have any idea what we do?

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Specializes in Peds/Neo CCT,Flight, ER, Hem/Onc.
Are you a CRNA? Do you have any idea what we do?

I read hherrn's post as teeming with sarcasm. Pretty sure I'm not off the mark.

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