bxpansive

Well, I'm in nursing school and doing well and having good experiences and learning a lot. A ton. About nursing, the healthcare industry, people, and myself. Working in memory care, too, at a LTC. My MDS has only progressed a little so far and I am still asymptomatic, except for the anxiety of having such a condition, anticipating the progression and the treatments that it will necessitate someday. My oncologist responded to me when I told him that I was thinking of going to nursing school, that I should do whatever I wanted to do. Easy for docs to say, but I also figured what the he!!. Hopefully, I'll finish up with school, get some experience like a "regular" RN, and when necessary find a desk job. This is just me. I tried looking for a chemistry job. Made me feel sick. Thanks to everyone who responded - I appreciate your care. Keep it up!

Why are we taught in nursing school conflicting or incorrect information with such certainty and authority? For example: We do a mini-case study in a respiratory module on a man presenting with tachypnea, O2 sat just below 90%, shortness of breath, T=wnl, and the guy is sitting in forward leaning, propped up position. One question is: What diagnostic test would confirm that this is COPD? The answer given: arterial blood gases would differentiate between COPD and emphysema. I have a problem with this answer because 1) we have a powerpoint presentation used in class that defines COPD as emphysema and chronic bronchitis and that the two usually go together and 2) because when I research differential diagnoses for COPD, presentations from the likes of the Am Assoc of Fam Physicians don't even mention ABGs as part of a diagnosis and 3) because ABGs indicate respiratory alterations that could come from various medical diagnoses. Another example would be: a written document teaches to wear gloves when preparing and administering injections but the instructors say that it isn't necessary and others say with a sneer that "we don't use gloves when giving injections." Another example is when within the space of an hour two instructors give conflicting information about the meaning and conclusions to be drawn from assessment data and each one is so certain in their conclusions that they flat out dismiss the other one's conclusions.

Here's a reputable webpage that does not give me any confidence in the flu vaccine: http://www.cdc.gov/flu/professionals/vaccination/effectivenessqa.htm There are so many caveats regarding the effectiveness of the flu vaccine that I do not find persuasive data that the vaccine is worth taking. Moreover, this article/statement uses phrases that many experts constantly use as arguments against others, such as, "One study . . . One study . . . One study." We all know that scientific conclusions require multiple, well designed, well analyzed studies. I think if professionals and experts did not use the same arguments for their own interests as they use to argue against others, then maybe the public would be more confident in the advice that so many experts think is "obvious." I offer praise to the CDC that they wrote up this article in such a transparent manner. I don't have a problem with this article. I have a problem with "experts" who are not up front and honest about the accuracy and veracity of their data and who want to people to take their word because they have some degree. There is too much BS in the healthcare system for people not to question the "experts."

Thanks for sharing your story. It helps to read peoples' stories, again and again, new ones, old ones - for me, it gives me a lift that sometimes I need. I've completed my first of 4 semesters. Sometimes, I can supply energy to others, but other times, and now is one of them, I can really use the inspiration and understanding that you convey in your story. Thanks.

Long Intro and answer: Yes, I have an oncology doc. Just moved out of state and met him 6 weeks ago for the first time and had my blood run. Had counts nearly as good as in 2002. Maybe, I just needed to move? I'm fortunate in that with my "performance," everything just a little low for years, and BM biopsy results (yes, it is MDS-RCMD), I could live with this for a long time and, G-d willing, live well. From what the docs have said and from what I have read, they cannot give a prognosis. They cannot very well say, "No problem," but they cannot say when things could get worse. Not when I might need treatment (he's a good guy, wants to really weigh the toxicity of treatment with the need and bang-for-the-buck.) I know nursing requires energy and physical endurance, as well as smarts and commitment. I think that I have the smarts and commitment, but I have serious doubts about the energy and endurance. Actual Question: (I had my nursing prereq's completed at the the time of bone marrow biopsy.) Let's say I get through nursing school and pass the boards and get licensed as an RN. Then stuff starts going downhill, little by little: neutropenia sometimes, a transfusion here and there. (Eventually, some chemo and/or a bone marrow transplant, etc.) Is there a reasonable place in nursing where I could be of service (have the energy and wits) and where I wouldn't have to freak out about infections? Or, any interesting directions to go for a chemist (who wants to stay out of the lab where he may have helped this Myelodysplastic Syndrome to get started)? Thanks.

Hi. I have considered going into nursing after a 20 year career in pharmaceutical chemistry. I would like to do something more directly with people and health care. Although I have done some massage as a licensed massage therapist, nursing seems like a really interesting career as well as a viable way of earning a living. A year ago I was diagnosed with myelodysplastic syndrome and all three blood lineages are depressed and show dysplasia. The counts have been "low" for years, but no one ordered a bone marrow biopsy until the platelets went below 100 a couple of times. I asked a couple of oncologist hematologists who know my case about going into nursing. They didn't say no but they didn't give an enthusiastic yes, either. I have never asked a nurse, though. Dumb. My counts may not get so low that I need treatment for a long time or they might. According to some papers that I have read, I have another 10 years, at least. I am 48. It seems to me that it would not be a good idea to be around a bunch of infectious people with my low white counts (out of normal range but without symptoms). I have a slight anemia. On the other hand, I don't get sick much other than sinusitus. Health care is really cool - it's like a hobby for me for years. Helping people understand their meds and some of the physiology, biochemistry. Relieving people's tension with massage is really cool, too. Helping people to feel better and get on with a better life. So. Any opinions as to whether I should pursue nursing or another clinical occupation, or just stay away? Thanks.