I've had a kidney transplant. Can I become an RN?

Cilantrophobe · Jan 17, 2009

Having gone through dialysis and transplantation, it's something that doesn't leave you. It's nothing I hide. If anything i'm proud of modern medicine and what benefits came to myself from it. I'm sure somewhere through the interview process it would come up. As in, "Why do want to work in the renal department?"
I just want to be certain that a hospital would be interested in me as a candidate to work with renal patients.

I think it is great that you have a success story that you can be proud of and can share with others. As well as provide more empathetic care to renal patients.

Your medical condition is protected under HIPAA and you are not required to disclose that you have had a transplant, on immune surpressing drugs, etc.
If you can perform the tasks of the job...that is what they will ask you.
Your experience will give you a good insight of what transplant patients go through and those with renal failure, however, at the same time, you have to be very careful on who you choose to share your information with.
Most patients will not receive their kidney and will die as a result of it...it could have the opposite effect if that patient never gets their kidney and is facing death...they will see you as the lottery winner.
Don't shoot yourself in the foot by disclosing information to an employer that is Class-A none of their business.

I agree with what BabyLady has said 100%.

I understand that if the question came up about why you want to work in the renal dept, and using your story to boost your chances of getting hired. But you could say something a little less personal. Even if you are fully comfortable sharing your story, it might not always be necessary or welcomed.

kuccellini · Dec 17, 2009

S.P.-

I just came across this thread and I'm so glad I did. I too had a kidney transplant, in 1989-I just celebrated by 20th anniversary of transplantation this year!

I decided to change careers (I'm 29) for the same reason (among others)-to give back to the medical profession that helped me. I am interested in nephrology or transplantation recovery. I am going to tell my nephrologist tomorrow about my plans; mostly to get her "blessing", as my family is unsure whether my decision to become a nurse is a sound one.

Thank you for this information and the responses from RNs in the field. Hoping to join your ranks in 2011!

Best,

Kim

Trauma Columnist · Dec 17, 2009

Congrats on your successful transplant.

I'm an advanced practice nurse in nephrology now but worked ER for many years and worked with an RN who had a transplant.

I would agree with other's advice: don't disclose personal info in an interview.

However, no barriers to becoming a nurse IMHO.

survrgrl08 · Dec 30, 2009

I am a Breast Cancer Survivor. I was diagnosed at 29 July 2006 with Stage 2 Invasive/Infiltrative DCIS. I have had a bilateral mastectomy, lyphnodes removed in both arms, 16 chemo treatments, 6.5 weeks of radiation, a hysterectomy, 1 year of Herceptin, and currently on Tamoxifen. I found myself back in school not knowing what my future had planned out for me and I found myself walking up at 2 in the morning last spring with a discovery that I needed to go into nursing. I love helping people and I am going crz that I am not around Cancer patients.

My goal is to go into Oncology when I am done with school. I am applying this month to 3 schools and have excellent chances of getting accepted.

Don't look at your surgery as a limitation, use your surgery as a benefit to help poeple because "You have been there and done that."

Kudo's to you