Successful in nursing after a traumatic brain injury (TBI)?

Nurses Disabilities

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I haven't found any posts about nurses who have suffered a TBI and continued on successful with nursing. There aren't any, in fact. The only one's I have found pertaining to TBI, are about patients. Hopefully some of you may be able to help me?

I was in a car accident 3/29/2012, was injured with a fractured pelvis, broken #11 rib, fractured sacrum, facial and left side scarring, plus a TBI. I had a subdural hemorrhage that led to a hematoma. I'm recovering well and aside from word finding problems and slight memory retention issues, you really can't tell I have a minor disability. I decided earlier this year, before my accident, to go into nursing. I've had to put off registering for classes, but when I am fully recovered and healed, I want to continue on that goal.

Are there any other nurses that have had a TBI? Is there any perceived difficulty with the education process and actual work because of this? What should I be wary of? Anything specific I should focus on?

Also, any other information would be awesome. Thank you so much.

Thank you so much. It’s like I don’t know where to even start. I appreciate the words of wisdom:)

you are all amazing, just sayin'.

5 hours ago, Persephone Paige said:

you are all amazing, just sayin'.

❤️❤️❤️

I was involved in a car accident in 2015. In coma for 12 days. After extensive therapy and hard work I’m proud to say I’m back to work. There was a time for quite awhile after my injury that I thought I’d never get to be a nurse again. So I took my therapy seriously and just focused on getting a little better each day.

There is always hope after a brain injury. People who meet me have no clue I once couldn’t remember things for longer than 10 minutes.

To all tbi survivors know that it is possible to be a RN. Go for it!

3 Votes

Hello, I'm so glad I found this forum. I had a severe tbi & was in a coma for three months. I've been reading my medical records, all 1659 pages of them, & haven't gotten to the part where I "wake up". I'm also going to nursing school, almost. Im in a BSN program & I'm struggling even with the general education part. I stay on the verge of succumbing to the faults of my brain injury &quitting, although a couple of these posts have inspired me to keep going. That's what everyone says, "it doesn't matter that it's hard, at least ur doing it". & Yes, I have learned a lot &I love it But what if that's not good enough? Because that's how I feel. ?

Just now, Amnesiak said:

Hello, I'm so glad I found this forum. I had a severe tbi & was in a coma for three months. I've been reading my medical records, all 1659 pages of them, & haven't gotten to the part where I "wake up". I'm also going to nursing school, almost. Im in a BSN program & I'm struggling even with the general education part. I stay on the verge of succumbing to the faults of my brain injury &quitting, although a couple of these posts have inspired me to keep going. That's what everyone says, "it doesn't matter that it's hard, at least ur doing it". & Yes, I have learned a lot &I love it But what if that's not good enough? Because that's how I feel. ?

My car accident was 10/31/2012. I have medi cal insurance &haven't had a consistent doctor so Im figuring everything out myself.

On 4/7/2019 at 5:06 AM, BLGBARBIE said:

Almost 8 years ago I had a TBI. I worked at a children’s hospital at the time. I was told that I’d never go back to nursing. I failed my first neuropsy test , but passed the second. I was cleared to go to back to nursing, but my job was already filled. I couldn’t get a job at the same hospital. I cut my losses and did travel nursing for a year. Then I did adults for 2 1/2 years before I returned to neonatal nursing. During my time off I did brain games on the computer. I was scared when I started working again. I wasn’t sure of how much knowledge I had loss if any. It turned out ok. To this day, I’m still working in a nursing role.

if this is truly what you want to do with your life, go for it. Maybe you can try the testing again. Don’t give up. There’s also many avenues you can explore regarding nursing. Good luck!!

I’m so happy for you!!! I’m wanting to go back to work so bad but the neurosurgeon won’t release me because the neuropsychologist won’t release me... I’m at a total loss at this point.

Specializes in None, going for L&D.

7 years later, I'm still not a nurse and it's okay. I obtained my nurse assistant certification in 2013 and have been in that role since. I honestly prefer working in a hospital over longterm care or traveling. Averaging every other year, I've attempted to go back in to nursing school. Every single time I need to withdraw due to "unforeseen circumstances", lol. I absolutely cannot do nursing school, work full time and take care of my kids all while being pregnant. I have 4 kids now and I'm going to try and go back this fall. And I mean try because of the entrance exam, not because I might get pregnant again!

Over the years I have learned that one should not volunteer information. I was turned away from a home health aide position because I mentioned my TBI -- the employer literally said he couldn't hire me due to it, which is discrimination and I believe not legal. I have been able to gain employment elsewhere even after mentioning it, though. My doctors have approved me to go back to work, no restrictions, as well.

I appreciate all of the responses, thank you!

Regarding getting clearance from the doctor, I suggest asking them questions. What do you need to do? What or where are you lacking? What needs to improve? How can you do that? How can you get to where you need to be?

After so long I believe it will be possible to get licensed, it's obviously just going to take time. I have to be patient.

Specializes in Flight RN, Trauma Resus, ACNP Student.

I had a TBI in nursing school (15 years ago) from an MVC, in my 4th semester. I managed to graduate on time and now getting my APRN. I do have memory issues and difficulty finding words sometimes but it hasn't stopped me.

Of course, it certainly depends on the severity of TBI.

2 Votes
Specializes in Med-surg, telemetry, oncology, rehab, LTC, ALF.

I have a coworker who had a TBI when she was younger. She's also bipolar. By far one of the best nurses I've had the pleasure of working with. I say go for it.

1 Votes

I did not have a TBI, but I have chemo induced severe cognitive impairment. It's been 2 years now and I am better, but it has led to psychosis and now the chances of returning to work as a nurse are now next to zero. I fail every neuropsych test given. I have daily hallucination, seizures if not on high doses of Keppra, and confusion several times a day. All I want is to go back to work. Depressing.

Yes it is. It definitely changes your life❤️

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