Is nursing school possible with RA.

[jalexislopez13]

Hello All

Maybe some can shed some like or advise on my current situation. I currently have two degrees (Sociology and SLP) and have been working in the education field for the past 7/8 yrs. It has drained me to the core and I have been looking into the medical field for quite some time. I have completed all pre-reqs for any nursing program but have been taken back from applying due to my RA diagnosis. I have many many flare ups and the pain sometimes become unbearable and the many symptoms related to it seem not to get any better. The med cocktails that i have tried did not help much and if they did i was experiencing side effects, one being mild hand tremors that come and go as they please.

I fear that with this I will not be able to preform my duties as a nurse to the best of my ability or even worse, put someones life in danger.

Is being a nurse with this illness achievable?

[jalexislopez13]

New state regulations as of 2019/2020 if someone wants to practice as a SLP they will need to be in the process or have already obtained their PhD.

Alot of fellow students/friends have dropped out SLP programs and are looking into other fields of study also.

I live in NY by the way

[jalexislopez13]

You post honestly gave me inspiration. I continue to tell myself that i am stronger than this diagnosis but it does at times become overwhelming. But i do thank you for all the advise, and i have realized diet change does make an impact.

[Sunshine_AB]

Hi. I think you should really think about it. Nursing is demanding and hard on the body, ask yourself why do you want to become a nurse?

I don't think that I would advise anyone to get into nursing that has chronic illness try and think of other careers or perhaps enhancing what you already have.

[jalexislopez13]

I understand the hardship that it will take to get thru school and the rest of my career going forward. There have been so many instances that I have experienced that gave me a greater respect for healthcare professionals and the want to go into nursing.

Why nursing I was asked in an earlier post...i can come out with all the corny answers that ppl might want to hear, but the truth is to not only give my children a better future but also to peruse a want i have inside to help others. I have seen many helped and many done wrong by healthcare professionals and I want to be part of the change. My mother is a nurse my godmother was a nurse, it has been something I have wanted for a long time but never had the strength to peruse due to fear of failure and lack of support.

If i give up because of my RA what example would I be to my son (who has aspergers) and my daughter who is support to see a strong figure......thats how I think of it.

[Sunshine_AB]

I would not discourage you of becoming a nurse. There are may professions that hep patients not only nursing. Perhaps, connecting with others who are in a similar situation you can use as a support tool. Try to get your RA under control if it isn't all ready.

[CharlotteNC16]

I am the biggest proponent of 'you can do anything you set your mind to' and am so thankful to have always had a positive outlook with my RA, but did want to caution you to be realistic (and it sounds like you are). Before finding a medication that worked for me after a few years of working with my rheumatologist, I wasn't able to tie my own hair back or wring out a washcloth, let alone catch a falling patient or use the fine motor skills needed to start an IV. My case is pretty extreme and I wasn't going to post at all, but I wanted to make this point: be strong and champion for what you want out of life, but also know your limits. I am going back to school for nursing so I obviously think it is possible, but maybe wait until your RA is a little more stable as others have said. It sounds like you have relatively recently developed your RA (correct me if I am wrong!), so don't despair - finding what works for you might just take a little time. Then the sky is the limit!

[jalexislopez13]

You are right it's been a few months since my diagnosis. I do understand the hardship that it will take and it brings. There are times where washing my hair (and my daughter's) is a struggle. I recently met with a new doc and we are trying some new interventions...PT and new meds. Hopefully it works.

For now I am taking my pre-reqs that can also apply to a medical nutrition or health service administration degree IF my option for nursing school is unattainable.

[Corey Narry, MSN, RN, NP]

Not sure how this can play into your decision but would there be a chance your provider will put you in a group of medications called DMARD's for RA control? These are immunosuppressants and being in a healthcare environment with tons of "sick" contacts can put you at risk. I think discussing the nursing option with your provider could help?