Interested in becoming a nurse after having cancer

nyapa, RN · May 2, 2008

Nobody can make this decision for you, and it sounds like a hard one to make. I think the consideration re: the effect of stress is a good one. Depending on which way you go, I gather a minimum RN course in the US is 2 years? Before you get out and practice as a nurse. And as someone who is familiar with university you would have a good idea that the course is not easy. I have done a three year course in Australia; this involved research, and I'm sure there are similar requirements in the US courses.

By the same token, you know more than anyone else after what you have been through what you want and need. And you more than anyone else have the right to decide that.

Is there some way you can access potential courses on line and see what they involve?

Stay strong,

Jay

ann945n, RN · May 2, 2008

I think you are considering the right things before making a career move. Most nursing jobs require weekend and holidays to be worked on some sort of rotating basis. There are many other jobs outside of the hopsitals though. Many clinic jobs are monday-friday with all holidays off. I have never had to be in a situation with radiation myself. I would think that is not a very common thing for nurses and one you could find a job that would avoid it if you are worried about it. I would say nursing does come with a fair amount of stress but it can be managed. You can find a job that would meet your needs (I did) as long as you live in a large city with more job options. My job is 4 days a week no weekend or holidays and lower stress then most I would say. I think I would say you should job shadow around in the hospital and in clinics and get a feel for what you are looking at. Most people are open to shadowing. I shadowed a few NP's to get an idea of what it would be like if I went for my masters.

kristenncrn · May 2, 2008

1.) I work in pediatrics - almost never (literally, maybe 3X a year) am I near xrays or CT scans. My husband works in the cardiac cath lab - he doesn't go more than 3 hours without needing to wear lead. You can work around this, IMO

2. and 3) Yep - only you can answer! I will say that I personally think I am a better mom, wife, school volunteer, daughter, sister, woman... because I am a registered nurse. I still get a lift saying that. And most days I want to change jobs (because of politics and staffing) but I never want to change careers. Personally. It is my second career, I went to school as a single mom, I had a baby as a nurse, and part of the reason I chose nursing is because what an incredible role model for my kids. As well as the schedule (see below.) And I work with a nurse who is in remission as well as several with significant chronic illnesses. Having been a long term peds patient myself - I find that we all have a cool and unique perspective because of our experiences and it helps us. But as far as your ability and stress level - you may not really know until you try.

4.) I work every other weekend (Fri-Sat-Sun) straight days. I worked for 6 months full time, rotating shifts when I first graduated. Only. From there, I've gotten every shift request I've needed, even when it "wasn't possible" on paper. There are some obstacles to starting out part-time, but people do it. Nursing is weird, because there are always these general rules - and then there are always plenty of people who have a completely different experience! If you want an office job, there are many more full-time positions. Hospitals are usually more flexible. LTC, from what I've seen, is the most flexible with schedules. And home-health might be a good option too. You might find you like psyc (they always need nurses around here!) or you might love the OR so much that you want to be full-time.

I guess what I'm saying is - those obstacles are all workable, in my experience. If it is something you want - go for it. You'll be great! If the stress once you graduate is too much, there are always more positions, more options, more ideas.

Best of luck with your continued health!!

jjjoy, LPN · May 2, 2008

There are many different ways to be involved in health care, from peer counseling cancer patients, to teaching CPR to the community, to working in an administrative capacity for a health care organization, and more.

Many nurses use their background to jump into various areas of health care (case management, informatics, administration) but nursing isn't always the only way to get involved. I'm just noting that because I was interested in health care and nursing seemed like a great way to get into the field. And honestly, nursing was the ONLY health science degree offered where I went to school. Except I was dissatisfied with the nursing curriculum (cuz I was more interested in the pathophys & treatments & whole care trajectory than in the acute nursing care - which is, understandably, the bulk of basic nursing education) and couldn't stand working on crazy, busy floors where there's barely time to think between things to do.

Since then, I've worked for an environmental health program, a medical information company and with clinical data in a hospital. The nursing degree helped me get those jobs, but in my opinion, I didn't specifically need a nursing education to do them - just a good solid background in health care.

Nursing may be the thing for you. And But since you're still in the process of researching, you might also ask about other health science courses of study available.

Good luck!

Virgo_RN, BSN, RN · May 2, 2008

1) We have transporters who take patients to radiology.

2) My job is stressful. However, a lot of how stress affects your health isn't about having stress, it's about how you handle stress. People on both ends of the spectrum, i.e., those who hold it all in or those who explode (i.e. road rage) have the highest risk for adverse health effects related to stress. Those who are able to find healthy ways of coping with stress and who take care of themselves, eating a healthy diet, exercising regularly, getting enough sleep, having a fulfilling home life, have decreased odds of stress related illness.

3) The process of getting through nursing school can be tough on a marriage and a family. NS is like a full time job, and if you have to work while going through NS, you may find you have little time for much else.

4) You can definitely work part time as a nurse. You can find a scheduled part time position, or work per diem, where you sign up for shifts you want to cover. You can always learn to say "no", or just don't answer the phone when you can see it's work on the line.

Blee O'Myacin, BSN, RN · May 2, 2008

I am hoping that someone can help me out... I am seriously considering a career in nursing. I am trying to meet / shadow/ talk to as many nurses as possible and make sure it's a right fit for me. There are a few things that are unique to my desire to be a nurse (or maybe they are not so unique after all). I am currently a professional with a BA. Last year, I was diagnosed with cancer and I am still not in the clear yet. Although, I am feeling really good and my chance of remission is high. I guess my experience with cancer has forced me to look at healthcare in a very different way and I really enjoying learning about it. I would feel strange if I was no longer perusing knowledge of health after cancer. Not sure if this situation is unique to me, or if others have seen this sort of "phenomenon."
I was also so impressed with nurses all throughout my experience--pre-op, PACU and meg/surgery nurses that I encountered. My concern is that I could be asking for too much stress in my life, when right now, I have a very easy, low stress desk job (which is also boring me to tears). When I read many of these posts, sometimes, I want to run away from the profession--mostly because of the long hrs, high patient /nurse ratios and bureaucracy. I keep thinking to myself that I have no business thinking I can do something like this with what I'm going through. But then the other side of me keeps researching the career.
The "human" element of nursing is not what bothers me. I can deal with stuff that can make your stomach turn. Here are the things I am concerned about.
1.) Exposure from radiation. How often do you have to bring patients to radiology and is there anyway to know how much exposure is too much? I know that you aren't in the actual room with people during CAT scans, etc, but even being around a CAT scan room while it's going off emits some radiation, right? Are there certain areas of nursing where you don't have to come in contact with radiology? I'd just like to know as my cancer was most likely a result of some form of radiation (as most are).
2.) Stress of the job. I know there are a lot of nurses with disabilities, (and I am certainly physically fit) and I know there are nurses who have had cancer and go back to work, or even work while they have treatment. But I just wouldn't want to do anything detrimental to my health. I suppose it could also work as some kind of healing process, if I did really like my job. I guess no one can really answer this question but me. I just wanted to get it off my chest somehow!
3.) This would be my second career and my husband and I have a toddler, not too concerned about this part though, but add this to the cancer issue.
4.) I would like to have the option of working part time (I think this would help with the stress issue and I could fulfill my dream). I am getting mixed information about nursing part time. It seems like once the "system" gets its hands on you they just get you for more and more hours. Is there any kind of limit setting?
Thanks for listening!

As a cancer survivor who went on to become a nurse, I think that you need to address the cancer survivor issue first, then deal with the wanting to be a nurse.

You can't bring your own stuff to the table when dealing with patients, it isn't healthy for you, and it isn't healthy for them. A person dying of the same type of cancer that you made it through really isn't going to want to hear it from your smiling "supportive" face. Trust me. Been there, done that.

I'm 13 years free and clear and I am still exhausted - it is a long term effect of all the chemo and radiation I received. It's just the new baseline. I choose to stack my days, work tired on the third day and then have a block of recuperation time. I also took a year and worked part time, after I left a job that physically and emotionally exhausted me.

If you aren't out of the woods yet, it's my feeling that you should be concentrating on your husband and small child, and not taking on the stress of nursing school. Nursing school will always be there. Take a few prereqs to get your feet wet and to keep your mind focused on the future.

I do not go anywhere near the x-ray machine or the CT scanner while it is in use. The machines don't emit radiation when on - and as much as I'd love to, I know that I can't work interventional radiology.

Good luck on your continued recovery and I think that you will be a good nurse once you are in the right frame of mind and body to do it.

Blee

believe777 · May 2, 2008

Thank you all for your response. I am so happy that I posted. I wasn't clear, but it is my plan to get better before going to NS full time (there is a waiting list for that anyway). I don't think that would even happen until '09 or '10. I am going to use the next year to keep researching, get better and maybe do a pre requisite or two.

I think this whole thing is a good distraction for me right now, which may lead to something very meaningful. One of the reasons I posted was because I feel like I haven't been able to tell that many people because I am still working it out within myself. It's great to hear your stories and your take on the whole radiation/ working part time issue.

Thank you ALL for taking the time to help me! You have shown me that I can do it, not all at once, but little by little.

Wendy_RN · May 2, 2008

You may want to consider becoming a CNA for right now. It would give you some exposure to the medical field and an idea of what to expect. The course is fairly short and inexpensive. If you decide nursing is not something you want to do there is no huge loss. On the other hand, if you decide you want to persue a career in nursing you will already be a CNA.

Mulan · May 2, 2008

if someone offered me a very easy, low stress, boring job I'd take it in a heartbeat, as I'm sure many others would who have been in the profession for awhile

good luck in whatever you decide to do

nyapa, RN · May 3, 2008

if someone offered me a very easy, low stress, boring job I'd take it in a heartbeat, as I'm sure many others would who have been in the profession for awhile
good luck in whatever you decide to do

Couldn't do a boring one myself. Figure that would create a lot of stress as well...

trmr · May 3, 2008

if someone offered me a very easy, low stress, boring job I'd take it in a heartbeat, as I'm sure many others would who have been in the profession for awhile
good luck in whatever you decide to do

DITTO!!!!!!