Is Nursing for me if I get sick often?

[MiaNJ]

I just started a nursing program, and am enjoying the courses..but now have doubts if this profession is for me.

I am generally very healthy, but get acute bronchitis at least every year. This is even with the Flu shot, that I got in Nov.

My doc said I have acute bronchitis, but it's not bacterial. It's viral, and I just have to deal with the symptoms..but even with medication, the cough is hard to control. Sometimes during the day, I have to cough for several minutes.

I also use albuterol and this helps somewhat, but I've had this cough for about 3 weeks now. I've read that for some people with acute bronchitis, the cough can last weeks.

I know I got the virus from others in school who were sick. They seem ok now, but my cough persists..which is why I hate getting sick.

My doc said it's just the way my body deals with it and i just have to 'wait' it out..while using albuterol and some cough medicine..which don't always work well.

So now I wonder what would happen when I'm working with patients who have a cold..and I seem to get it easily. Even if I wash my hands, etc..since it's a viral infection and I seem to get it just by breathing air close to others that are sick.

I don't want to be a nurse who coughs for weeks..and risk getting my patients sick..or other nurses, etc.

I really want to be a nurse and enjoy caring for people, but if I get sick every year for weeks ( I can't take all that time OFF work)..is nursing the profession for me?

I know how sick I get with bronchitis but I didn't think of this when applying to nursing school, since I was so interested in studying nursing.

But now in my first semester, and having this cough for so long..I am sadly wondering if I made a mistake in entering nursing.

[TheCommuter, BSN, RN]

There's a plenitude of practicing nurses who could be appropriately described as sick, crippled, etc. If you want to be a nurse badly enough, you will come to find your niche somewhere.

[tinyrita]

Most of the nurses I meet are unhappy.If not all the ones ive met. its generally a pretty gruesome field, but i realize someone must do it. I do it only part-time(about 3 days a week if that).No Im not a nursing lover, but it helps me pay for art supplies.its ok in the beginning, but there are many very nasty people working in this field.

I would not recommend it at all execept that its a good place for a job considering many american jobs have been exported to the third world.

As far as germs.Its nothing but germs, vomit, and blood.Oh and petty overweight bosses who think theyve got it made now becuase they have a job.The bosses tend to lord it over the other lower rankers.

Its an all-around crappy job, but if you must good luck.

As far as helping people.If you want to help people go into something like alternative health areas.The nursing industry is dominated by the pharmaceutical cartels, and they are mostly out for the greenback.

Its not about health at all.Its kind of like a huge vortex , and once they have you in the system they drain you of your life with all kinds of useless drugs, and surgery.

Its for people who need a niche in the American system of labor, and want a little respect to boot.

Definitely you will learn a lot, but you can learn about your body in other areas.Nursing is really a sad joke.

But many get their self esteem from there.

Just my two cents.Dont get mad.Its the truth.

Guy come in with an ingrown toenail, and winds up with all kinds of germs and IV's.

Sad joke.

My two cents.

Remember the American health field is the major cause of death and disease in America.

bad drugs, unnecessary surgeries,etc.

[bethin]

I have Crohn's and ulcerative colitis and I was worried that the patients who had C diff, flu, etc. would get me sick...but they haven't. I really think that you build up an immunity working in a hospital, dr's office, etc. Before nursing I would get three or four colds every year. Now I'm lucky if I get one. Take precautions: wash your hands often (and I mean often), get the flu/pneumonia shot, wear a mask if a pt. is coughing alot or if you're sick. Nurses on my floor wear masks when they go into patients rooms if they have a cold. If you're like me and nothing but nursing will do, you will make adjustments. Try to keep yourself as healthy as possible. I wish you lots of luck!

You say you get sick once a year for weeks. Save so if you are off it won't be a huge struggle to pay your bills. Take FMLA leave. That way your employer cannot fire you for missing too many days. Also, let your employer and nursing instructors know what's going on.

[angel337, MSN, RN]

no matter what profession you choose, getting sick for weeks at a time will always be an issue. employers typically are not fond of employees who get sick all the time and i think the reason why is pretty obvious. one of the good things about being a nurse is that we have flexible schedules, so even if you were sick for 3 days, it's possible that 2 of those days will fall on the days you are off anyway. but of course, no one can predict when they will get sick. if being a nurse is what you want to do, just do it and go with the flow. you could work as a secretary and still be exposed to germs that will make you sick. so you might as well do something you like. good luck.:)

[ClaireMacl]

Ok, let me see... my first four months of nursing, I got Norwalk (Winter Vomiting Virus) whilst working, the most unpleasant thing in the world, esp if the sink isn't near the toilet I got flu once from a pt in that time too.

Since then, I've been diagnosed with lupus and am prone to picking everything up! I still work, I love my job and figure if I rest as much as poss on my days off and ensure upmost personal hygiene (esp hands), I'll minimise illness. I won't even list the amount of illnesses I've had, since most are related to my proneness to picking them up

Another nursing related disease, UTI's! I have pylonephritis at the mo. Not nice peeing needles with a temp/chills, lol! Self inflicted nursing disease too... proven over the years - work 12 hours, don't take toilet breaks because you're busy, don't drink water = nasty infections, lol.

Nursing isn't for everyone, that's for sure... but illness for most people in this job is related to universal precautions. Take care and you'll be well (unless you're me, lol).

[Bird2]

Of course the best prevention is always good hand hygiene but the truth of the matters is you have a great chance of catching an illness standing in line at Walmart. I get the same nasty viral cough that you described. It lasts for weeks even though the others with the same type of viral infection have their s/s resolve much sooner. I got before nursing and I get it during nursing.

[chris_at_lucas_RN, RN]

You may find that as long as you practice good hygiene and good self-care, you will still be exposed and you will still get sick.

BUT your immune system will get revved up too. In the long run, it's probably good to get some exposure to the occasional virus or germ.

As far as nursing goes, we are really no different than anybody else (except we know that stuff about handwashing and masks!)--you can pick up your worst "stuff" on doorknobs... and from shaking hands... and from telephones... and from typewriters....

Come on in. If nursing is your thing, you belong with us! (And most nurses I have met like nursing, btw.)

[mtnmom]

this is really strange. I replied yesterday and now my post has disappeared completely along with at least one other reply prior to it!!!!

anyway, what I was trying to say is that you could have something known as "cough variant asthma". In my prior experience working for a pulmonologist we had several pts with this and there was minimal or no wheezing, but a pulmonary function test (PFT) showed some obstruction.

As far as controlling the cough - I get bronchitis at least a couple times a year too. One of the most helpful medications that I have found is Tessalon Perles (benzanotate - I'm sure I maligned the spelling!) - it "numbs" the cough center. It is Rx only so ask your Dr. for a Rx.

The other posters are on the money with their suggestions regarding hygiene and masks. Like they said, you are just as much at risk getting sick from a shopping cart handle, public restroom door or sink, and grocery store line or public transportation. Dont forget about the telephone receiver too. During cold/flu season I carry hand gel in my purse and use it often, esp. after touching anything others have touched.

I agree also that your immunities do get stronger as a result of nursing, but you have to take care of yourself...rest, hygiene and good nutrition/hydration.

Last thing...check with any prospective employer regarding their absence policy. I worked for one large Atl hospital about a year and a half ago that only allowed 3 absences a year, excused or not. (they counted a one of my closest friends' funeral for one since it wasnt family) - at that facility we had nurses coming to work sick all the time - even with fevers!

anyway good luck!

[GooeyRN, ADN, BSN, CNA, LPN, RN]

I used to get bronchitis twice a year. I had it a few times during my first year of nursing school. After that... Its rare that I even get a cold! You will be around so many germs and will become immune to so many things! Now I can work hungry, sleep deprived, pregnant and everything else and I don't ever get sick. And I work med/surg!

[CrunchRN, ADN, RN]

Tinyrita,

Wow! You seem awfully jaded for a nursing student (that is what your profile states). What gives?

[purplemania, BSN, RN]

I have been a nurse for several years and only got sick once from hospital related illness - my fault: I kissed a cute baby who happened to have rotavirus. Otherwise, I have not been ill any more often than when I did not work in a hospital. Don't people cough on you at Walmart?