Need help with decision on nursing school

momto2j's · Jul 23, 2011

I am T1 IDDM and have been for 20+ years. Following 2 pregnancies I am almost completly hypo unaware. I am going to give nursing school a shot because I have always managed not to let the diabetes be a problem. However, I have a lifetime of experience and few other medical issues.

I am not afaid to try it and if I find I can't do it, quiting is a better option for me any not trying at all.

Good luck with your decision.

Denisse3, ADN, RN · Jul 23, 2011

I'm not sure if this is the correct thing thing to suggest but I would say GO for it!!! Nursing is a wonderful and very rewarding profession. If it is your dream you have to make it come true. When I was starting nursing school almost 2 yrs ago I was 20 yrs old and had a 3 yr old (nothing compared to your situation,but) the counselor told me to go for medical assitant, I told her I would sleep on it. The next day I called her and told her my dream was to be a nurse. After she tried to scare me away telling me how hard it was, I told her that I did not want to be a medical assistant. I just graduated and I do not regret becoming a nurse. And I am sure that you will not regret it either. Good luck with whatever you do!!

xtxrn, ASN, RN · Jul 23, 2011

You've already been accepted into the nursing program- that's a big deal right there.... a lot of people wait a long time on lists :)

I can understand your concerns. I'm a Type II diabetic on insulin (dependent). Also have a lot of other medical problems and am on disability- and I'm in my late 40s.

I couldn't keep up with school at this point (but I also have joint, neurological, and pain issues).

If you start nursing school, would credits transfer to a medical assistant program if you find you can't do it? As a new grad, some of your options will be limited. But, depending on what you're interested in, there are a lot of options. Finding 8 hour shifts will probably mean an office position (which is still busy, but at least not the lifting and constant call lights - lol). Part time hours (3 days a week) may be helpful, or not. Most agencies want a year or two of clinical experience after graduation-

You might talk to some human resource depts in various places, and see what they have to say- you don't have to tell them your name, or even call some place near you. If you can get a DON to talk to you, even better :)

lollila · Jul 24, 2011

Thanks everyone! I did talk to my doctor's medical assistant, and was telling her my concerns and she said stay going for the nursing program. She said I will have so many more options with nursing then with medical assistant, and that MA's work gets so repetitive. I think the ICU is scaring me a bit, but I realize I don't have to do that kind of nursing. I have decided to just go for it no matter what, and hope that my medical issues just get better. I am also on disability right now, just hoping I can handle it. I started working 16 hours a week, so I could get insurance for my family. I know that I can do anything for 2 years, and just give it my all. I do believe that a lot of my classes would transfer to the MA program if I need to do that. I appreciate all of your responses!

dyslexicandetermined · Aug 4, 2011

i say that you should try to become a nurse!!!!

xtxrn, ASN, RN · Aug 4, 2011

Thanks everyone! I did talk to my doctor's medical assistant, and was telling her my concerns and she said stay going for the nursing program. She said I will have so many more options with nursing then with medical assistant, and that MA's work gets so repetitive. I think the ICU is scaring me a bit, but I realize I don't have to do that kind of nursing. I have decided to just go for it no matter what, and hope that my medical issues just get better. I am also on disability right now, just hoping I can handle it. I started working 16 hours a week, so I could get insurance for my family. I know that I can do anything for 2 years, and just give it my all. I do believe that a lot of my classes would transfer to the MA program if I need to do that. I appreciate all of your responses!

Be sure your income isn't over the limit set by Soc Sec or your private disability insurance, or you can lose it. Also, Soc Sec and many private disability insurances have 'back to work' programs. You might contact them- but don't go off of your disability before you know if you can handle nursing school.... that said, if you can get through school, there are MD office jobs, and desk jobs in nursing (especially in LTC/SNF).

I think the time Soc Sec allows you to try going back to work without having to reapply if it doesn't work is 9 months.

I think it's great you want to do this= just be sure to protect yourself in the event that you find you can't do this- You don't want to have to go back to square one with disability :)