Pre-Nursing Student With Pacemaker and ACHD

[risser]

Hello, I am soon to be starting an ABSN program in May! I am excited, but I am also curious about any nurses who have pacemakers or nurses who are adults with congenital heart disease (ACHD)? I'm just turned 22 and have a huge cardiac history.. 9 surgeries and counting. I am really inspired by my own experiences as being the patient to become a nurse though but I have questions!

I have a 12 inch keloid scar down my chest from multiple open heart surgeries, and sometimes it gets a lot questions. It is visible in a scrub top, which doesn't bother me. I wear bikinis to the beach, despite the massive amounts of scars. However, I'm more conscientious in professional settings though as to handling the questions. Does anyone have experiences with having a disability and being questioned about it specifically by patients? How do you deal with this? I am usually very friendly and open to people's questions about my scar, but it seems a little different on the job.

Also, how is your energy level for any of those with any heart problems? I'm in okay shape, and have not too many restrictions, but don't expect me to run a marathon.. I find myself more like finding my limits than being told I have them.

I do know I have MRI restrictions, but does anyone else know of any other pacemaker restrictions? Do you wear a medic alert bracelet on shift (or always)?

Thanks for any answers, sorry for so many questions!!

[meanmaryjean, DNP, RN]

By ACHD do you mean Acyanotic Congenital Heart Disease?

[risser]

That's close but I meant Adult Congenital Heart Disease!

[KatieMI, BSN, MSN, RN]

I had a classmate with somewhat similar history. He had MediAlert bracelet, and we and all instructors were told never, ever let him be near MRI scanner, lift anything heavy, do compressions during codes, etc. He had problems during clinicals more than once but graduated just fine and went immediately into nursing IT.

Your doctor needs to write a note detailing your restrictions for the Dean of your school so that your clinicals can be adjusted accordingly. This should not be a problem; potential for "attitude" from your classmates, instructors and especially other nurses is another question as well as your plans for future career if you won't be able to do bedside nursing.

[risser]

@KatieMI thanks for your input! Thankfully, I have less restrictions it seems than your classmate did. I am able to lift and do plenty of activities, so I think it will be less of a problem and be able to do bedside nursing. But definitely no MRI machines, haha! I will definitely talk to my cardiologist before starting school, as I'm unsure if I would have restrictions with compression and codes. I don't think I would though for the most part, as I've had no issues with learning CPR, but doing it on an actual patient might be different... I am definitely interested in bed side nursing, but maybe I will talk to my cardiologist about departments to avoid (like ER if it gets crazy since I can get out breath easily). I will deal with the attitudes, I'm used to it! Thanks :)

[Lev, MSN, RN, NP]

You can probably wear a t-shirt under your scrub top to avoid questions about your scar. Most facilities/schools allow this in certain neutral colors.

[risser]

@Lev Yes I suppose that's an option! Personally though, I prefer not covering my scar. I would do it if I had to obviously to follow hospital protocol. But in general, I just don't like covering it on a day-to-day, it's like hiding apart of who I am. I will have to figure out how to deal with people who ask, I suppose. Thanks for the advice though!

[la_chica_suerte85, BSN, RN]

Doing compressions during codes is a very exhausting endeavor so they might want those with more stamina to do them either way -- you can document the code, though, so it doesn't exclude your assistance. However, like it was mentioned above, you must make sure all the pertinent people are aware of any limitations regarding this condition (i.e. in my school, my compliance officer would have handled all the specfics if I had some kind of chronic condition) as you will likely have a physical completed prior to starting nursing school. Everything will be out there on the table so no surprises to worry about. I don't think your condition will be very prevalent among peers and instructors. The scar can be covered with underscrubs and I don't think you'll run into any problems with people thinking you can't do the job. Good luck!

[risser]

Thanks! I will definetly keep all this in mind going forward. I am going to try to set up an appointment with the disability services on campus before the term starts and before I see my cardiologist next so everyone knows going forward. I will also make sure to get a specific outline of questions for my cardiologist to address. Thanks for al the advice!

[EmergencyRN22]

If a pt was to ask about the scar I'd probably keep it short and sweet and change the subject. If a pt persists asking about it - just say something like "enough about me, we are here for you today" with a smile.

I don't think you'll come across too many pts who cannot be redirected with their questions.m

[risser]

Thanks, that's a great line to redirect the conversation, it should be fairly effective for insisting patients! I hadn't thought of that, thank you!

[BeachsideRN, ASN]

You shouldn't have too much of a problem. As long as your doctor clears you to be able to handle the work. The doctor will have to clear you at the school level and the board of nursing. It doesn't seem like you are extremely limited in practice so I don't see any major problems