RNs- Mostly first born? Alcoholic fathers?

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  1. RNs- first born of alcoholic fathers or ?

    • 309
      RN, first born or only child of alcoholic father
    • 56
      RN, first born or only child of alcoholic mother
    • 62
      RN, first born or only child, both parents alcoholic
    • 327
      RN, first born or only child, neither parent alcoholic
    • 162
      RN, not first born, alcoholic father
    • 22
      RN, not first born, alcoholic mother
    • 30
      RN, not first born, both parents alcoholic
    • 261
      RN, not first born, neither parent alcoholic
    • 42
      Other- not listed (please explain)

1,271 members have participated

KristyBRN's thread on this topic is very interesting. She has heard that many RNs are first borns of alcoholic fathers. I thought we could use a quantitative poll on the subject.- *Please add any comment you wish, i.e. tell us if you are an only or first born.

Please choose the option that best describes you-

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Specializes in Med/Surg, Geriatrics.

Thanks for this, should be interesting.

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Hopefully, more nurses will reply.

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Specializes in Emergency Room, Cardiology, Medicine.

I read a book on a term called codependence, which is something prevalant in populations whose parents or loved ones are physically or psychologically addicted to alcohol, drugs, gambling, etc (I'm assuming this is what the study is based on). The book stated that over time, the person without the addiction becomes dependent on the one who does. They often feel the need to take care of them, make their decisions, try to make "right" the things that they think are not. After a while, the focus is taken off themselves and onto something external...often, the other person. One of the classic characterics a codependent may have is the excessive need to care for others... which I suppose is why so many choose the healthcare field. Obviously, not every nurse is a codependent, nor is every codependent a nurse. But I can see how clear the connection is between the two. Interesting poll. :)

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Specializes in Case mgmt., rehab, (CRRN), LTC & psych.

I'm an LVN and not yet an RN, but otherwise I fit the pattern.

I'm the only child with an alcoholic father.

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The option for dad who abused alcohol and mom who was crazy was not on the list. . ..;)

So I voted both parents had alcohol problems.

steph

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R.N. not first born, but my sister was almost 13 when I was born.

Wonderful, non-alcoholic father, died when I was 11.

Non-alcoholic, but seriously crazy mother.

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R.N. not first born, but my sister was almost 13 when I was born.

Wonderful, non-alcoholic father, died when I was 11.

Non-alcoholic, but seriously crazy mother.

We are soul sisters . . . my dad drank but he was a real softie. He and mom divorced when I was twelve and then my mom's descent into madness took us all down a dark path. :nono:

I have a decent relationship with my dad now and NONE with my mom who only lives a few blocks away.

steph

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I'm going to school to be an lpn then fast track to Rn. My mom had 5 boys by her husband, they divorced and she remarried thats where I come in. They had no more children and soon divorced.My dad is an alcoholic, but the kindest soul. Although I'm not her first born, I am my dads only child. Does that count?

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We are soul sisters . . . my dad drank but he was a real softie. He and mom divorced when I was twelve and then my mom's descent into madness took us all down a dark path. :nono:

I have a decent relationship with my dad now and NONE with my mom who only lives a few blocks away.

steph

Oh, yeah, that dark, dark horrible path. All alone with a madwoman, and as a child what can you do? :sofahider

In my teens, I took myself off to a psychiatrist, thinking everything must be my fault, like mom said, but confused, not feeling it really was.

M.D. spoke with my mom, then told me "You don't need to come back to see me. You're not crazy, but your mother is and the best advice I can give you is to get as far away from her, as fast as you can, and never look back."

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Dad alcoholic and real loving-mother absolutely crazy and never drank Krisssy

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Specializes in Skilled.

First born of an alcoholic. When I was in the hospital room of my dying paternal alcoholic grandfather (1970's) it was then I decided to be a nurse. He was in D.T.'s and I was so upset I could not help him. My interest in alcoholism grew and grew from visiting my Pap that day. My father is now in end-stage liver failure...refusing his lactulose....a nightmare. Alcoholic for over 50-yes 50 years. (Hard liqour) Only mean when he didn't have a drink in his hand. Our whole family has suffered tremendously from it. Mom left in 1980. I strongly believe that the eldest child is the "protective" child-trying to keep the younger ones "safe" from the eggshell-stepping life we lived. At least that is how my life has been and I have witnessed it in other families as well. It has honestly been a living hell. :scrying:

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