BLGBARBIE

Almost 8 years ago I had a TBI. I worked at a children’s hospital at the time. I was told that I’d never go back to nursing. I failed my first neuropsy test , but passed the second. I was cleared to go to back to nursing, but my job was already filled. I couldn’t get a job at the same hospital. I cut my losses and did travel nursing for a year. Then I did adults for 2 1/2 years before I returned to neonatal nursing. During my time off I did brain games on the computer. I was scared when I started working again. I wasn’t sure of how much knowledge I had loss if any. It turned out ok. To this day, I’m still working in a nursing role. if this is truly what you want to do with your life, go for it. Maybe you can try the testing again. Don’t give up. There’s also many avenues you can explore regarding nursing. Good luck!!

In April 2011, I suffered 4 seizures in one night due to a reaction to medication. Thank goodness I was already in the hospital!!. I don't remember anything about the week that I was there following the seizures, other then what my family has told me. The neurologist told me that I would NEVER go back to nursing. I did everything that the doctor asked of me (multiple tests, see a psychiatrist, meds, etc). I proved her wrong. I am back to nursing. I have to admit that my brain was screwed up for awhile, but I did a lot of brain exercises and such. She calls me her miracle patient. Apparently I was in really bad shape following the seizures and was either not believed to make it thru the night or if I did, I would not be "right". I feel better then I ever have. I am happy to report that since that horrible night, I have not had another seizure. It is possible to be a nurse following a TBI!! You just have to know your limitations. I continue to follow doctor's orders. I'm careful about any OTC medicines that I take without first checking with the neurologist, take my meds, try to keep my stress level down and get enough sleep. Hope this helps. Good luck!!

Unfortunately have been in this situation. Very tiring for the family AND the staff. Family refused because they knew that two tests indicating brain death means the pt is taken off life support. Family well educated. Eventually, the pt died of cardiac arrest. It's my understanding that once the brain goes, it's just a matter of time for the heart...There was a similar case in Washington recently where cultures collided. The pt ended up in cardiac arrest and passed away.....

I work at a pediatric hospital and we have "volunteens". These are teens that are interested in the medical field, possibly nursing. They'll help out by holding babies, playing with older kids, helping to put away supplies, stocking linens and we've even had them do some scrapbooking for the kids that have been with us for a while. They're really a big help to the staff.

I work in a pediatric IMCU. Mostly our pt load consist of kids with trachs, either on vent/cpap or just trach collar with warm/cold mist. We also get GI kids. Most of the kids come from the NICU or ICU. We only have 6 beds, which seem to always be full, so we staff 2 RNs and a PCA. These are high acuity kids that shouldn't be on a regular floor unit.