Nurses with asthma

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Hi!

I'm prenursing, hoping to enter nursing school next fall. I've had asthma for years and I've always dealt with it, but 3 weeks ago I had a really bad attack that caused me to stay over night (my first time being sort of admitted). It's been 3 weeks and I am doing better, although not 100% yet.

I had no issues with my asthma when I was working as an LNA. Now I'm worried. Is asthma a deal breaker for nursing? With the cleaning chemicals and exposure to different things...do I need to give up my dream?

Thank you all!

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Specializes in Critical Care.

If you are going to have an asthma attack, what better place to be around (hospital) or people to be surrounded by (nurses and doctors)??

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If you are going to have an asthma attack, what better place to be around (hospital) or people to be surrounded by (nurses and doctors)??

Hahaha good point!

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Specializes in LTC, assisted living, med-surg, psych.

I was a nurse with asthma. Certain cleaning chemicals triggered episodes and eventually the hospital where I worked had to change to something less offensive to my airways, but other than that, it's rarely affected my work and even then it was no big deal. Don't give up on your dream; just do your best to control the illness by using the weapons at your disposal---medications, breathing treatments, long-acting steroid inhalers etc. You'll be fine. :yes:

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I was a nurse with asthma. Certain cleaning chemicals triggered episodes and eventually the hospital where I worked had to change to something less offensive to my airways, but other than that, it's rarely affected my work and even then it was no big deal. Don't give up on your dream; just do your best to control the illness by using the weapons at your disposal---medications, breathing treatments, long-acting steroid inhalers etc. You'll be fine. :yes:

Thank you! This last episode had me spooked. I'm on Flovent now but I'm super nervous about getting the flu when my asthma was just so bad. I'm getting the vaccine, but we all know it's not 100% effective

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Specializes in LTC and Pediatrics.

I am a nurse with asthma and have had no issues with working. I make sure I stay on top of my inhalers especially around triggers. The fall harvest in my area is a trigger and I managed to work all my shifts. Use your Flovent on a daily basis and that should help a lot

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I am a nurse with asthma and have had no issues with working. I make sure I stay on top of my inhalers especially around triggers. The fall harvest in my area is a trigger and I managed to work all my shifts. Use your Flovent on a daily basis and that should help a lot

Thank you! I'm a little bit of a hypochondriac. Can you tell? ;)

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Specializes in ICU, LTACH, Internal Medicine.

I am another nurse with asthma and it bothers me minimally as long as I keep it under control. I have my rescue inhaler in my pocket at all times. Sometimes I have to ask for a little additional help, as I have strong physical exertion component, but, very luckily, my current colleagues are extremely understanding. And i use benefits of free flu vaccine.

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the only time my asthma has acted up on me was when I was coding someone and pumping their chest...the adrenaline rush kicked up an asthma attack - quelled quickly with some caffeine and my rescue inhaler

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Specializes in LTC and Pediatrics.
Thank you! This last episode had me spooked. I'm on Flovent now but I'm super nervous about getting the flu when my asthma was just so bad. I'm getting the vaccine, but we all know it's not 100% effective

Asthma and allergy specialists will tell you that it is imperative to have the flu vaccine. After all, influenza is respiratory so why not give yourself the best chance against it.

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Specializes in Oncology.
the only time my asthma has acted up on me was when I was coding someone and pumping their chest...the adrenaline rush kicked up an asthma attack - quelled quickly with some caffeine and my rescue inhaler

Adrenaline is a bronchodilator...

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Specializes in Hospice.
If you are going to have an asthma attack, what better place to be around (hospital) or people to be surrounded by (nurses and doctors)??

When I was still working in the hospital, I once stopped for some provisions for the night.

The lady in front of me had doused herself in some Gawdawful perfume, and it kicked off my asthma.

Called the unit, said I was going to possibly be a little late, detoured to the ER, had some med nebs, a dose of SoluMedrol, and walked onto the unit about 15 minutes late.

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