Career advice

[Snowflake15]

Hello, I'm in need of some advice of fellow nurses. I have been a nurse for 2 years recently transferring to ICU. I also have myasthenia gravis diagnosed in 2009. Since my transfer I've had more flare up's of myasthenia than ever before. My neurologist told me to stop working 12 hour shifts about a year ago, however I continued wanting to gain more experience. At this point my flare up's consist of blurry vision and gripping/lifting issues causing me problems with lifting patients and driving to and from work. I want to continue being an ICU nurse but fear the stress of this unit is already taking a toll on my health. I have established FMLA to cover flare up days but wonder if some other job would be less stressful. Has anyone else run into something like this?

[llg, PhD, RN]

While I have not known someone with your exact situation ... I have known many nurses whose health problems prevented them from doing certain jobs. Not everyone can do every job safely.

My advice is to listen to your doctor and find a job that preserves your health.

[Snowflake15]

Thanks for the feedback. I'm currently looking at other possible jobs. I appreciate the response.