Student nurse with Rheumatiod Arthritis.

HouTx, BSN, MSN, EdD · Mar 9, 2009

Oh sweetie - I'm so sorry you are having to cope with this. (((((((((((hugs))))))))))

As part of the employment process, you will be asked to review the job description. It will include in formation about "functional & physical" tasks associated with the job such as: "lift 25 lbs, frequent bending, long periods of standing, etc". You will be asked if you can fulfill the duties of the job. If you can, then just answer truthfully. Your employer only has a right to know about things that would impact your ability to function in the job.

However - please put yourself first. High doses of prednisone and other RA drugs may put you into an immunocompromised state. It just would not be safe to work around communicable illnesses. Exposure to some pathogens could be life-threatening. I lost a dear friend to bacterial meningitis under similar circumstances. There are many areas of nursing in which you can make a valuable contribution without endangering your own health. :heartbeat

sim-sim future nurse · Mar 9, 2009

I am so glad that you responded to my thread! I was beginning to wonder if I should or shouldn't work in a hospital because of the Prednisone (I am on a low dose of 10mg a day) and if I start taking the HUMIRA. HUMIRA does suppress your immune system just like the Prednisone, but in a different way. My Rheumy says that I should not worry and won't have to change my career or wear a mask at work. He knows physicians who take HUMIRA and have not had any problems with infections/illnesses. I think that I might wear a mask. What do you think?

I am also at a loss of knowing what I can do in nursing besides working at a hospital first. It seems like with everything you need med/surg experience first.

PAERRN20 · Mar 9, 2009

I do not have RA, but I have another autoimmune illness where I take DMARDs on a daily basis as well as Prednisone (MedrolPak) during a flare. I've only been a nurse for a short while, but I went to clinical as well. I never had a problem with a communicable illness. I have been exposed to undiagnosed meningitis and other bacterial/viral illnesses. When that happens the doctors are good about getting us on prophylactic meds.

I do sometimes have problems with joint pain, particularly the knees, back, and ankles. I would recommend not working 12 hr shifts. I can usually take an 8 hr, but 12's do me in. Also, is it possible not to have a bunch of shifts scheduled back to back? I find that 2 8's in a row is about all I can handle. Hope that helps. Feel free to PM if you want

PAERRN20 · Mar 9, 2009

Also forgot to mention....try to pick an area that has a little bit of a slower pace. I know this is not always possible. I work in a busy ER. Not the wisest choice for a nurse with joint problems. I don't know how old you are but be kind to your joints and yourself. If you don't feel well, call in. Work will manage. You can't take care of others if you don't take care of yourself first.

sim-sim future nurse · Mar 9, 2009

Thank you Paerrn20 for your advice! I am thinking that I will do med/surg for one year, just to practice skills and then I either may teach or do psych nursing (psych nurses always work only 8 hour shifts!). I will definitely stay out of the ED and ICU!

lpnflorida · Mar 10, 2009

Hon, I was diagnosed with RA at age 28. The flare ups would be bad during the winter months of course, also if I were under severe stress. Stress of work did not seem to bother it, but personal stress from home.

Moving south helped me, now only occasional flare ups. Getting rid of personal stress ( ex husband) was the biggest help. Not everyone who has RA has the same course. You might also end up being one of the lucky ones. I was. Flares are now down to once a year, minimial deformity of joints. Manage your stress, exercise as able, rest when needed. Good luck.

sim-sim future nurse · Mar 10, 2009

LPN from Florida, can I ask what kinds of meds you are currently on? I, too, have been told to move South. I thought that the warm weather was just a myth but a lot of people have told me that it helps.

Thanks for the advice!

lpnflorida · Mar 10, 2009

While living up north I tried the gamut. Relafen worked the longest for me until my creatinine levels started rising and my GERD got so bad I thought I would die from it. I quit taking anything regularly.

Once I moved south, I only treat the worst symptoms during a flareup. Usually taking NSAIDS for no more than 2 weeks gets me through it. Seriously, simply being in warm weather does it for me. I rarely have the joints of my fingers swell to triple in size anymore. I have not seen any worsening of joint deformity since moving south.

Now I am not saying Florida is a magic cure, except it has been for me. Sometimes I forget I even have arthritis anymore. Perhaps someday I will no longer be in remission, but meanwhile I so enjoy having my life back. At age 35 every joint hurt, fingers, knees hips back.. Well , back still aches, but not like before, hips only if I lie on my side for too long.. It is no longer months of excruciating pain.