Does this make me a liability?

[%D#2]

Do you think that having chronic pain and fatigue make a nurse a liability to nursing? Even if they don't take heavy Meds narcotic pain medication? I am asking because of a comment by someone when they found out I have two rheumatic diseases and often am in pain and tired.. But I push through.

[BeckyESRN]

Chronic conditions do not make you a liability! The wonderful thing about nursing is that the opportunities are so diverse! Floor nursing is a great way to become a well rounded nurse, but it is in no way the be all, end all. You will find that lots of nurses have plethora of different conditions; I have encountered nurses with RA, lupus, cancer survivors, RSD, neuropathy, diabetes, COPD, asthma, grave's disease, you get the idea. On "to share or not to share" I would not advertise it, but if you have an really rough day sometimes letting a good co-worker know "My (insert issue here) is bothering me today, I just need a minute to breathe" can make all the difference. I've had co-workers the same kind of statement for whatever is going on- I fought with my daughter this morning, I just need a moment; my dad is sick, I just need a moment, I have a chronic condition, I just need a moment. It doesn't give away all your info., you are not saying you can't handle your job duties, just saying you need to slow down for a second. It's way different than "I have a headache-need to smoke-feel sick, can you pass my meds today?!" (I have had this request:no:)

[dukethedane]

I am an unfortunate victim of chronic debilitating pain am prescribed a fentanyl patch that I wear 24/7. Prior to the fentanyl, I was in bed all day, every day, unable to even turn myself. I had given up on life. Two years ago, after trying everything, I got my patch and it has given me my life back. And yes- I work in an ICU. I worked in an ICU prior to my injuries and giving it up wasn't an option for me. It took me 4 years to get to a point where I felt that I could physically work- and a point where my physicians ALL felt I was 100% ready. I was upfront with management about my condition from the beginning, but that did not stop them from putting their biases regarding chronic pain sufferers on me. We all have them whether we admit to it or not. On a certain level, I absolutely understand their concern about my ability to think critically and act in a safe manner. The fact remains- I am on this medication because I am opioid tolerant. It does not cause any sort of sedation or altered level of consciousness in me because of that fact. I have my surgeons, spinal anesthesiologists, pain docs and my entire care team behind me to support this. Patient safety is my number one goal and if I ever felt like I was "off", I would not come to work. People WILL pass judgement no matter what. We have biases and prejudices being in the medical field...if you think you don't, you need to check yourself. What is important is that you are always sensitive to how you're feeling and confident that you can act in a safe manner. My goal is to always ensure that at no point in time could anyone ever say that I made a mistake due to a judgement error caused by my medications or condition. It takes backing it up in writing and unfortunately, having legal council on your side. I understand that I will not be able to handle the rigors of an ICU forever, but it is my love. My passion. When I thought I lost it, I lost a piece of me. I'm not ready to give it up yet, but the first day I start to see myself as a risk...I'm out of there. So basically- stand up for yourself. Write everything down. Take extra precautions to be sure that NO ONE could use any action against you. I sometimes get extra witnesses for things for that very reason. Trust no one, but don't give up what you love if you don't have to.