RN Unable to Work in Clinical Setting...advice?

[patty55]

Hi all,

I'm an RN with plans to obtain my license within the next few months. I graduated over 10 years ago and have yet to sit for a licensing exam. A few months before my graduation, I was unfortunate enough to find out that I have (or developed during school) a severe allergy to latex. As it is, I cannot be in a hospital setting for very long before I start having an allergic reaction.

Due to my allergy, I never bothered to pursue a nursing related career. I unfortunately do not have any nursing working experience to draw from. I did work for 3 years as an Early Intervention Specialist, doing mostly home visits and consultation. At the same time, I worked with Infant Massage (certified at the time, but no longer). To make ends meet, I've also worked for ~3 years as a bank teller.

I was wondering if anybody can suggest a possible career move that would enable me to put my degree to use in a job setting that would allow me to earn a decent income. Obtaining my BSN to open up further employment opportunities is not out of the question, but it would not be an optimal course of action.

I have looked into positions such as Case Managers, but most seem to require working experience as an RN. I had hoped that somebody on these boards was in a similar situation :)

Many thanks,

patty55

[kids]

I'd re-investigate clinical nursing. Many, many hospitals, clinics and nursing facilities are now latex free.

[nursel56]

Absolutely what kids said. There are all kinds of latex alternatives out there now. Best wishes to you!

[caliotter3]

It is rare to find latex gloves anywhere today. Don't limit your job search because of that. Good luck.

[elkpark]

Latex allergies are becoming more and more common, and hospitals have made lots of changes in recent years to adapt to this. I would not necessarily rule out acute care as a possibility. Best wishes!

[adpiRN]

A nurse in our L&D unit has a latex allergy. So she always works triage. I think the only reason she's can't take laboring patients is because of the foley catheters.

The gloves are safe.