Can I be a Nurse with medical problems?

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Hi all,

I was just diagnosed with Left Ventricular Dysfunction. EF was 77%. This was due to my high blood pressure not being controlled. I am suppose to start college in Jan 2009 for the RN Program. I am devastated, I feel like my dream of becoming a nurse is shattered. My doctor didn't notice my symptoms until I fainted and was admitted to hospital. Prior to that incident i lost 35 lbs and was doing well. I also was diagnosed with type 2 diabetes a couple of months before being admitted to hospital.

I am controlling the diabetes with diet and exercise. My doctor has put me on 2 different meds, not working as it's suppose to. So, she is looking into another med.

I will be getting another Echo--with a dye in it to see if any blockage is there. Then a stress test later. Cause I still get dizzy and faint when walk half a block.

I have so many disadvantages against me right now, Age 44, Neuropathy in feet. I have only 4 classes to take before I am admitted to the RN Program. OH, plus I am hearing impaired.

My question is: Will any one hire me with my conditions?

I feel so lost right now.

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Going by your subject topic alone, YES you can. I am. Go take a look at my blog where I am chronicling my entire journey - I'm going to be completely honest and tell you it might take you longer and it might be the hardest thing you'll ever do, but the compassion you'll be able to give your patients from being able to relate to them on such a deep level is truly a gift.

That said, talk to your doctor and see what he or she thinks. Only you know how your condition impairs your daily living. But you mentioned diabetes management, etc., and you could always go into more of a patient education role of nursing too - there are SO many people who need someone to explain their diabetes to them and who better than a nurse who understands it AND lives with it herself? Plus, once your hear condition gets managed, you could be entirely fine.

And don't worry about jobs now anyways - yes, you have to pass a a physical, but it's illegal (at least in Ohio) for any employer to base hiring on any evidence of health impairments. I just got a job as a Student Nurse Tech this summer and found out all this stuff... They're not even allowed to ask you those questions if they haven't offered you a job yet. Then if they do offer you a job, like I said, you get a physical (which I was super worried about, but they really don't care about anything), write down your conditions just so they have them on hand in case of an emergency, and then that's it. Super easy. And as I said, I was worried to death.

See if your school has a disabilities assistance program. Mine does. They are big about getting you assistance whenever you may need it. They can't help by giving you an easy ride through college and they don't deal with any disability financial aid (see if you qualify for that - I know people who did, but I honestly don't know anything about it), but they will help mediate any time there are conflicts, you have absences, if you need help in any way, etc. So definitely check into that.

Don't feel lost though - I have too, and I know it can be easy to do. It will probably take me 5 or 6 years to get my BSN-RN with my particular chronic health issues, but if you are determined and dedicated and if this is truly where your heart is, you CAN and WILL do this.

Let me know if you need anything at all..... I'm pretty much a pro at this by now. :p

*amanda*

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Specializes in M/S.

I know a couple of people with health problems that work as nurses. They do fine. Just make sure your co-workers or at least your nurse manger or "boss" knows your condition like quetepye said in case there is an emergency. I have a health condition and wear an alert bracelet but some of my co -workers know my condition. There are plenty of nursing jobs out there and when you get everything figured out and under control you will be able to tell what your limits are. I wish you the best at whatever you decide.

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Specializes in Cardiac Care.

I think the person to ask is your doctor and then yourself. IMHO, I think we can do what ever we put our minds too! Good Luck!

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