Type 1 Diabetic (soon to be) Nurse

Nurses General Nursing

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Hello! I'm a lifelong type 1 diabetic who is interested in starting a nursing career. Before I commit myself, I need to make sure this is something that I could actually do and do well. Does anyone know of any RNs, CRNAs, or any other allied health professionals who are type 1s as well and what their experience is?

The main concern for me is experiencing hypoglycemia in the middle of a code, or any other instance that would require me to be fully attentive for an prolonged amount of time (uninterrupted).

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Specializes in school nurse.

Are you using CGM? That might help avoid hypoglycemia from "sneaking up on you".

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Specializes in NICU, ICU, PICU, Academia.

I know a number of nurses with T1DM. If they felt unwell (even during a code) it would be ok to say "I need to step out". Codes are run by teams, not individuals. Generally speaking, you have too many people around in codes, not too few.

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Specializes in LTC, assisted living, med-surg, psych.

In my nursing class, we had a young man who was on an insulin pump for type 1 diabetes. He was one of our best students and educated us on all aspects of DM as he dealt with it. After graduation he went to work in the ER and as far as I know he did very well there. So yes, you can be a nurse with diabetes as long as it's well managed. Good luck!

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Thanks for all the comments! Yes I have a CGM and I use it religiously. It's best thing for diabetics since sliced bread, literally. Also, I have it managed pretty well, I can fully control whether the blood sugar goes up or down from my diet (ketogenic). As for the coding thing, that sounds great that there is always help in case I need to step out for a quick blood sugar raise.

Side question: Does anyone know about any CRNAs who are Type 1? I would love to work my way up to becoming a CRNA as my advanced practice degree!

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Specializes in Thoracic Cardiovasc ICU Med-Surg.

I know a number of physicians who are type 1, and it was no big deal when they did their month in my ICU. We have plenty of graham crackers and peanut butter, and he would sometimes order lunch with us. My daughter is starting college with the goal of being a nurse and she has managed her type 1 successfully through sleep away camps, school trips, gym classes and AP exams.

My advice is just keep doing what you do, make sure you test frequently, and carry some sort of glucose tabs or instant sugar for when your low. Good luck!!

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Specializes in Oncology.

I've had type 1 since I was a teenager. I've been a nurse for 10 years and use a pump and cgm and haven't had a problem. I've had a few lows at work that I felt pretty terrible for- but my co-workers were understanding.

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Specializes in PICU.

I know of a few nurses who are type 1. I have never noticed any issues.

Codes do not routinely happen outside of the ICUs so it is not something you would be experiencing everyday, even in the ICU.

Just know yourself and know when you may need a moment or two.

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