I want to be an RN but I'm worried

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Hello all. I have a problem. I've always wanted to work in the healthcare field. When I was little I was always leaning towards vet but as I got older I became more interested in nursing. My plan always was to start school to become an RN. I went to college for a semester and did the cna course and I really did enjoy it (although I don't plan on being a cna) but it really opened my eyes as in how much you are exposed to bacteria and infection. This was never a huge deal to me, but in 2010 I was diagnosed with Lupus and as you may know, my immune system is suppressed in order to control the Lupus. Nursing has always been my interest, but I don't want to be putting myself in situations where my health would be at risk. I'm just afraid and confused. What else is there in the healthcare field that I can do where I can work with patients but not be so exposed to viruses and whatnot? Is that even possible? Thanks so much :)

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Specializes in Complex pedi to LTC/SA & now a manager.

Walking outside your front door exposes you to viruses and bacteria. Touching the handle of a public restroom or public transportation is exposure sometimes worse than hospitals & other healthcare facilities (healthcare facilities have specific cleaning & disinfection protocols). Have you ever seen a microbiological culture of money or a public water fountain?

Talk with your healthcare provider as to whether you need any special precautions, you may be surprised.

There are allied health jobs with less risky contact such as PT, OT, SLP but not risk free.

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Thanks a lot. I know it's a stupid question, but I'm just scared. My Lupus has gotten very severe and has left me in critical condition in the ICU. I'm currently in remission and desperate for it to stay that way, but I guess my desperation has made me overreact sometimes. I have an appointment coming up this month, so I'll run it by him :)

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Specializes in Complex pedi to LTC/SA & now a manager.

Good idea. Your fears are understandable. See what your treating physician thinks.

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Specializes in Oncology.

As a BMT nurse my germ exposure is minimal as we need to take strict precautions to protect the patient. I'm the healthiest I've ever been.

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I would rather see you go for veterinarian school. I had a hilarious doc who told me that he should have gone to become a vet, since animals appreciate and are complaint. We loled pretty hard. If you already haven't started the nursing pathway in school, I don't recommend it :)

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Specializes in Med-Surg, , Home health, Education.

I worked with a nurse for many years that had Lupus. As long as you use the required contact precautions it shouldn't put you at greater risk than most. I work in a surgical clinic so exposure to patient's with viruses and general illness isn't an issue- not to say that I may have contact with draining wounds etc. I think there are lots of areas that you could work that wouldn't expose you un-necessarily. Good luck to you with the Lupus as well as your nursing career!

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I am a veterinarian. Some animals seem to appreciate the care we vets provide, but a lot do not. Cats can be especially entertaining, and they have lots of weapons available, including some very nasty mouth bacteria. Mainly, though, it's the owners who are the problem, both with attitude and compliance! Especially when finances come into the picture, which they often do.

I would NOT recommend vet school for anyone at this time. The debt load is ridiculous and getting worse, and the starting salaries are not commensurate with the educational level. I'm not sure what the best area of human nursing would be for someone with lupus, but I would say, stay away from veterinary medicine. Not worth the stress.

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Hmm BMT sounds interesting. I've had a bone marrow biopsy done before so I'm guessing that's along the same lines? I'll look into that. Thanks :up:

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I worked with a nurse for many years that had Lupus. As long as you use the required contact precautions it shouldn't put you at greater risk than most. I work in a surgical clinic so exposure to patient's with viruses and general illness isn't an issue- not to say that I may have contact with draining wounds etc. I think there are lots of areas that you could work that wouldn't expose you un-necessarily. Good luck to you with the Lupus as well as your nursing career!

Thanks so much! I guess healthcare areas do tend to be more clean than any other places, it only makes sense right? I think its this whole Ebola thing that has me freaking out more than usual.

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I am a veterinarian. Some animals seem to appreciate the care we vets provide, but a lot do not. Cats can be especially entertaining, and they have lots of weapons available, including some very nasty mouth bacteria. Mainly, though, it's the owners who are the problem, both with attitude and compliance! Especially when finances come into the picture, which they often do.

I would NOT recommend vet school for anyone at this time. The debt load is ridiculous and getting worse, and the starting salaries are not commensurate with the educational level. I'm not sure what the best area of human nursing would be for someone with lupus, but I would say, stay away from veterinary medicine. Not worth the stress.

well you know what i mean when i say they are compliant and appreciative of what you do to them "most of the times". cats are... well you know, have some heck of personality haha

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