High BP might knock me out of clinicals

[CNA2bRN13]

In the past month, I have

1.)survived my 2ND F5 tornado

2.) found out my brother has inoperable cancer of the liver, pancreas, and 1 lymph node

3.) had a sister go into emergency surgery for twisted bowels

4.) had another sister have surgery to remove pre cancerous cells

5.) and had my mom (who has both carotid arteries with blockages and a hx. of heart disease) refuse to have the blockages removed.

On top of this, I start nursing school in August hopefully. To add to the stress I am waiting on my acceptance letter! The advisor told me she didn't think I should have any problems getting in based on my grades, but I'm still a worry wart. I'm in the CNA program now so I can get a part time PCT job. My grades aren't suffering, and I'm not going to put any patients at risk by bringing my problems to clinicals, but I'm still scared that I won't be allowed to go to nursing school clinicals. I have been checking my BP, and it has fluctuated between 136/86-139/89. When I had my physical for CNA clinicals next week, the nurse LIED about my BP so I wouldn't be kept out. I didn't ask her to do this, she just put 114/76! I know theres no way she got that. The machine checked it first, and it got what I had been getting. She said, "I'm going to take it again myself" and gave me a look when she told me what she was putting. I really didn't know what to say.

I have been having headaches and eye aches because of the BP (and I need to get my intraocular pressure checked as well, I know). I'm the kind of person who keeps things in, and talks to my husband about my problems when I get home. That's how we vent. I'm scared that I might have PTSD. The tornadoes that came through killed numerous people in my neighborhood, and killed over 200 people statewide that day. When we felt the pressure and heard the noise, me and my husband just looked at each other and our son and thought that was it. We truly believed we were about to die. I want to be there for my son and also my brother, but feel stressed. School itself doesn't stress me out (yet lol), and my grades haven't suffered, but when I have to retake my physical for the nursing program, I'm scared they will find out about the high BP and keep me out.

I also have a dilemma about the nurse lying about my BP; in labs, we practice taking each others BPs. My lab partner has been trying to hide my BP from my instructor, but she is checking them with us this week to check off our skills for clinicals. I don't know how to get my BP down within a few days. There's no way I am going to go from the top of the class to out because of my stupid BP. Is there a way to safely drop my BP in a hurry? I've cut out salt and have been drinking lots of water. Also, if they do keep me out, is it possible to appeal and prove that I am capable? Has anyone faced this problem? I don't want to bring it up to my teacher or the nursing school and DRAW attention to the issue. Sorry so long.

[caliotter3]

We can not give medical advice here. You need to see your physician and get treated for your condition, which will also alleviate any concerns you should have concerning school.

[caliotter3]

Word to the wise. Once you get into school, try to refrain from mentioning all of your problems. Talking about your personal issues, no matter how many, or how distressing, will only put you on target for adverse attention. You do not need that.

[~Mi Vida Loca~RN, ASN, RN]

The PP is correct, we can not offer medical advice, definitely talk to your doctor. That said I am truly sorry for all you have been through this past month. I know what it's like to not get a break from bad stuff especially during school. It's hard but you seeml determined. Stay strong and positive thoughts for your mom and siblings.

[VickyRN, MSN, DNP, RN]

????? As a nursing instructor who has been employed in two separate programs, I have never heard of a student being excluded from clinicals because of BP issues. I have taught students with all sorts of medical issues from a young student with syncopal and tachycardic episodes, a few who were pregnant, to another student who was paraplegic and in a wheelchair!