diseases common to nurses?

KellNY, RN · Feb 1, 2007

Well, not a disease, per se, but Back Injuries are huge.

Really, I'd guess that since nursing is still largely female-any disease common to this sex would/could apply (I'm thinking auto-immune, migraine, depression/anxiety, etc--especially for the night nurses).

For an interesting project you could research how working nights increases a nurse's risk for developing breast cancer. (hint: think melatonin)

EricJRN, MSN, RN · Feb 1, 2007

Latex sensitivity or allergy is one that comes to mind.

TrudyRN · Feb 1, 2007

I seem to catch every respiratory bug that comes along (among my patients).

KellNY, RN · Feb 1, 2007

Latex sensitivity or allergy is one that comes to mind.

Ooh! Good one.

I developed one after years of working as a medical assistant. I'd always been a little sensitive to latex bandaids that were on delicate areas (thigh, anticubital space, face, etc), and now after wearing latex gloves for longer than 15min, I'm all red and irritated and sometimes itchy. When I was intubated during surgery, the tape on my face left welts for days. Latex condoms? Well, they're definitely a no go.

I'm also now allergic to bananas (latex family)-if I eat them, my tongue, throat and lips itch and swell.

unikuelady, RN · Feb 1, 2007

I'm noticing co-workers having increasing problems with hypertension and diabetes. Any stress related disorders would be high on the list.

allnurses Guide · Feb 1, 2007

Hi all,
I'm new to this site :-)
I was wondering if anyone can help me because google hasn't been much help:scrying: next week i have to present to my clinical group what diseases are common to us nurses due to our jobs... anyone know anything or have a personal experiance?
thanks much!
SN09

HTN, HLP, Diabetes, Back injuries, sometimes carpal tunnel if you do a lot of computerized charting, insomina....pretty much anything that can be excerbated by stress, poor eating habits and long work hours you can add to the list.....lol

mandykal, ADN, RN · Feb 1, 2007

I was thinking psychologically... some type of stress syndrome...lol really.

Julie frm Dallas · Feb 1, 2007

Hi all,
I'm new to this site :-)
I was wondering if anyone can help me because google hasn't been much help:scrying: next week i have to present to my clinical group what diseases are common to us nurses due to our jobs... anyone know anything or have a personal experiance?
thanks much!
SN09[/quote
MRSA. Try to avoid it at all costs. Practice universal precautions, but honestly that isn't always enough. I've been battling this for almost 4 months now. Three different ABX TX's and just when I think it's gone for good, they show their nasty little heads all over again. I suppose this will go on for the rest of my life?

morte, LPN, LVN · Feb 1, 2007

Ooh! Good one.
I developed one after years of working as a medical assistant. I'd always been a little sensitive to latex bandaids that were on delicate areas (thigh, anticubital space, face, etc), and now after wearing latex gloves for longer than 15min, I'm all red and irritated and sometimes itchy. When I was intubated during surgery, the tape on my face left welts for days. Latex condoms? Well, they're definitely a no go.
I'm also now allergic to bananas (latex family)-if I eat them, my tongue, throat and lips itch and swell.

i believe kiwi fruit is in the same family

KellNY, RN · Feb 1, 2007

It is! You're the first person (my docs included!) who knew that!

I just didn't mention that because I never really ate kiwis--didn't figure about that allergy till I ate a fruit salsa that had kiwi in it, and it wasn't as bad a reaction as the damned bananas.

Lizzy6 · Feb 1, 2007

Adhesive tape....I get a horrible rash & itch like crazy. Can only use paper tape. Also, I have permanent lateral epicondylitis, in both elbows from lifting pt's. Never goes away.