So here is the deal.. I am 25 y.o. male looking into getting into the nursing field. Right now I am looking at accelerated RN programs for people with post baccaluarate degrees. I have a BS in health science and from what I see from most of the accelerated programs, all of the prerequistes would be met. My GPA is superb and have no problem completing in that area. My work experience is in public health which is definatly in asset that I could use in my application. Also being a male, I also think that increases my chances of getting into a school.
My only reservation from seriously pursuing this occupation is my future health/ mobility. I have muscular dystrophy of the FSH (FascioScupularHumeral) variety. Which means that my cardiac (heart muscle) and smooth muscles are unaffected. This leaves me with my skeletal muscles which are affected and overtime progressively weakens at a quicker pace than a normal person. My future mobility is uncertain as to which muscles it affects and the rate of progression. Long story short at some point my physical strength may be extremely limiting and I probably have difficulty with regular movements such as getting out of chairs, reaching for things, and lifting heavy items. Right now however I am still quite strong, have great cardiovascular endurance and to the untrained eye wouldnt notice a problem. I would definatly be able to complete the school part but 5-10 years down the road I am not as confident.
I spoke to fellow nurse about my prospective interest and my condition and she told me that there are many nursing occupations out there which require little physical demand such as an infectious disease nurse, a forensic nurse, a nurse who works in pediatrics, psychiatric nurse, and a few others which I cant think of off the top of my head.
I defintaly want to work in healthcare and right now my two options that I am deciding between is nursing or physicians assistant.
I was wondering if anybody has any addtional insight into the physical demands of an RN, occupations that do have less physical demands, and the accomodations that employers would be able to provide within this occupation that would meet my needs and be ADA compliant. If anyone has insight into physicians assitant, that would be greatly appriciated.
Thanks
**Id also like to note how positive and helpfully everyone is in these forums***
The PA's I work with (in ICU) all need to be able to put in lines (arterial, central - not just the regular IV). But it depends where you work, of course, the PA at my doc's office doesn't have to put in lines.
Forgive my ignorance, but if the dystrophy affects your fine motor skills, you might find being a PA gives you more limited options.
Go into nursing, get your experience in whatever area you find attractive. Then when the physical part becomes difficult, become a nurse educator, forensic nurse, infection control, etc. There are many areas where you can continue to contribute and make a difference.
Specializes in Management, Emergency, Psych, Med Surg.
I agree. Don't tell anyone about your diagnosis. Unless it is causing you some limitations now, keep it to yourself. When you get older and into your career and you begin to have symptoms, you can work that out with your employer then.
And GO FOR IT!!!! There is nothing holding you back now.
I agree with the last two posts. I know someone mentioned earlier that becoming a PA might be an option for you, and that's great if you decide to do that. But we need you in nursing. Like Hiker said, do what you love and get as much experience as you can while you can, and then become a manager, educator, case manager, consultant, or whatever. The potential is limitless. Do it man, we're waiting for you!
You said it yourself that you can complete NS with no problem. I say go for it and pu t the time, effort and schooling onto it. 5 to 10 years down the read when you are not a mobile and are not able to take care of patients physically, you can always look to get into administration or some sort of job that requires more time in an office - maybe case management (i could be wrong about this one - Case managers can you ringin on this??). Best of luck. Please keep us posted.
First off I would like to thank everyone for their input regarding my situation. I am still thinking about nursing and PA and currently weighing the options on both. Everyones feedback has been great and I continue to look forward for more.
Specializes in Psychiatric, Detox/Rehab, Geriatrics.
go with where your heart is. If things get too physically challenging for you, you can also work in a doctor's office, in psych, in outpatient clinics...there's lots of low-physical stress jobs that are out there. Best of luck to you!
I agree not to disclose your diagnosis. You can do that in the future when and if you have limitations at that time.
You should follow the path that interets you more but nursing will have plenty of opportunities for you. You can do legal nursing, case management, administration, instructor, consultant, etc. You will have many options in nursing so don't let that part scare you away. Best of luck. :)
Cindy-san
189 Posts
The PA's I work with (in ICU) all need to be able to put in lines (arterial, central - not just the regular IV). But it depends where you work, of course, the PA at my doc's office doesn't have to put in lines.
Forgive my ignorance, but if the dystrophy affects your fine motor skills, you might find being a PA gives you more limited options.