Other jobs with a nursing degree?

canned_bread · May 13, 2012

Have you ever tried maybe entering something like a medical science (become a scientist)? Where I work, in haematology, we have one lad who did I think 2 years of his nursing degree, then changed to a medical degree whereby he learnt how to do differentials for blood counts/blood films, running the lab machines etc.

wish_me_luck, BSN, RN · May 13, 2012

I haven't been denied. But, it's always possible because where I think I am at and how I function is different than what physicians think. I am going to explain to them that at next doctor's appt and try and get something changed and if I am denied by BoN, then I will appeal. I have evidence that supports how I function rather than what they think, so hopefully I will get licensed. It is scary though having your future in the hands of people that really do not know you.

My dx, tx, prognosis letter was very generic to the disease/illness/syndrome (I am not going in detail what I have) instead of what I am actually on, the treatment I am receiving, and my prognosis. I am going to explain that to the doctor. It makes it look like I am not taking medication or complying with treatment when in fact, I was never prescribed certain meds/treatments listed in the letter. The letter hasn't been sent yet (thank goodness); I brought over guidelines for denial to the office and explained this is done on a case by case basis and I need my letter tailored to me and if I am okay to practice. Hopefully, it was a big misunderstanding. But just in case, I wanted to know other career paths with nursing degree.

wish_me_luck, BSN, RN · May 13, 2012

can an administrator move this to nurses with disabilities forum, so I can perhaps get more suggestions? Thank you in advance.

anotherone, BSN, RN · May 13, 2012

pharmaceutical or medical equipment sales?

wish_me_luck, BSN, RN · May 13, 2012

can I go on for my Master's and PhD and become an epidemiologist? Or do I need to have a nursing license?

KelRN215, BSN, RN · May 13, 2012

You need to have a nursing license to get a Master's or a PhD in nursing but to become an epidemiologist, I believe you generally need a Master's in Public Health.

What state do you live in that the Board of Nursing requests all this information on you? My Board of Nursing knows nothing about my medical history, nor would I ever share it with them as it has no bearing on my abilities as a nurse. All they ask when you apply for licensure is about criminal histories.

Silverdragon102, BSN · May 13, 2012

Moved as requested

wish_me_luck, BSN, RN · May 13, 2012

Kel, I am in Virginia. Our Board of Nursing asks about criminal history and if there is any physical or mental impairment (means mental illness or physical illness) that would prevent me from being safe. What it is asking is if you have a mental illness or a physical illness. Then, you get something in the mail asking for you to send a letter from your doctor (psychiatrist or primary care depending on the case) with your dx, tx, and prognosis and if fit to practice. It is mandatory. They don't need an extensive history, but enough about it to make a decision to approve, approve with limitations, or deny. If you lie and they ever find out (say you get hospitalized with said condition and someone reports you to BoN that you are currently not fit to practice) it makes it worse for you because instead of temporarily suspending license due to health concerns, they can revoke your license and you can't get it back. Punishment for lying to the board, not having a physical or mental illness. I think it is also considered fraud or something. So, I disclosed to the Board what I had and my doctor needs to send the letter. Problem is with what he wrote, I don't think I will be approved. I am going to ask for him to change it and present the evidence that suggests that I am okay to practice; but I need a plan B just in case I can't have my license. I want a MPH, not a MSN, so I think if you only need a license for a MSN, I'm okay. My plan is public health anyway.

I think if I am denied, I get an appeal. But, I don't know how often people win their appeal. I am just scared because my future is in the hands of people who don't know me and I worked so hard for my degree.

sharpeimom · May 13, 2012

i have epilepsy, which i disclosed to the bon. i was seizure free on meds and only have partial complex and simple complex

seizures, with no loss of consiousness. virtually all are like extra strong vise grip strengh muscle contractions in my face.

but i disclosed anyway.

before my stroke, i was a psych nurse. i took two breaks at different times when i got burned out emotionally and worked

as a social services caseworker taking intake information. the other time, i managed a homeless shelter. might those be

possibilities for you?

wish_me_luck, BSN, RN · May 14, 2012

Yes! I am actually, while trying to get approval and everything, working a summer position with a food bank. That is public health even if I am not giving shots or helping with exams or screenings or something like that (food is a basic need and food insecurity/poverty leads to malnutrition.Then, there's the other aspect of ensuring healthy foods for these clients to prevent diabetes and obesity). But, this is not a permanent position and I really want my license. I want to work my way up the ladder and get higher education. I was just not sure how people would view it as a person with a nursing degree but no license.

I was told to lie to the Board and I said "no thank you!" because I would rather disclose and them approve me, even if it takes more effort, knowing my illness than to lie and something happen down the road and it come back to bite me. I am not planning to become ill or anything; but I am young, so I have no idea what the future holds. I plan on staying with treatment, so it shouldn't be too much of a problem; but I am not a risk taker. I was almost in tears when I read the letter that my health care provider was going to send to the Board. I am trying to remain hopeful that all is not lost.

I will have to let you guys know what happens in the long run. Like I said, I had seen many posts about what to do with a nursing degree after revoked license due to criminal activity; but nothing about possible denial of licensure due to impairment (impairment is mental or physical illness) and what to do with the degree. I would imagine that would change things.

I am glad that there is hope that I can still do something in public health no matter what the outcome.

wish_me_luck, BSN, RN · May 15, 2012

So, I couldn't get my doctor to change the letter. It will have to be sent in as is and hope and pray for the best. I am going to try and consult with someone who knows people at the board to get their take on it. Unfortunately, my doctor told me even with tx, he won't change the letter and that he didn't think I wanted to be a nurse. My heart broke. I never thought that someone else would decide my future. I will include what he said in my appeal; but I worked my tail off through school. I think there is the possibility of doing something like health educator if I get denied; if it that is possible without a nursing license. I will eventually go on for my Master's in Public Health and PhD. But, for right now, I can only hope for the best.

I will disclose that I actually have a mental illness. This whole experience is making me want to be more of an advocate for my patients, especially those with mental illness. They are as good as anyone else and deserve to be what they want to be. I am going to continue through treatment for myself, so I don't have future problems. Right now though, my heart just hurts. :cry: