I am freaking out and maybe a veteran nurse can give me some advice. I have a nervous disorder called CMT (Charcot-Marie-Tooth) and im so scared it will aftect my nursing skills. It affects the myelin sheath and affects the legs, feet and hands, resulting in weakness and atrophy, as well as causing a mild degree of loss of sensation. However, the motor problems are much more significant than the sensory problems, which are usually minor. My feet are much worse than my hands. I have loss some sensation in my feet but none in my hands. But my hands are weak compared to others.
I have read that 1 in 2500 people have this, but i have never met anyone other than the family who has it, so I have no one to ask if this will hurt my nursing.
Do you guys have any comments/advice for me? It is my dream to be a nurse. I'm 19 and im almost done with the pre-reqs but I dont want to start nursing school if I'm going to have to drop out because of this disability.
Yes, i have heard of it, and yes i know it is progressive. Since you are already so compromised i would advise considering some other healthcare option. social work, mental health counselor come to mind. good luck in whatever you pursue.
From what you've described, it doesn't sound like there is a large chance that nursing will be a fit for you. If it's hard for you to empty a foley, how are you going to insert an IV, give an injection, or give meds through a PEG, etc? Talk to your family, your doctor, and your academic counselor about your condition and career options. This goes for all of us - any job that you have a physically difficult time doing, probably isn't the right job for you. I wanted to be a ballerina but I don't have the body type or physical extensions for it. That's just the way nature made me, and I had to work with what I had, as do we all. Best of luck to you.
Specializes in Infectious Disease, Neuro, Research.
It depends. Nursing is many different things. Research and case management, in particular, are not generally physically taxing. Bedside care, I will say, will probably lead to serious injury, for you. Look at the specialties. If you can make it through clinicals, specialize quickly.:)
Hi! I am a 25 y/o female RN from NYC, I have CMT type 2 and have foot drop, loss of sensation on the Bilateral feet, and need to wear high top sneakers for ankle support at all times. I could never wear heels or any footwear that does not support my ankles, or else i will be tripping and falling allover the place. I have been an RN for 2 years on a busy medicine floor, very fast pace! and at the end of the day my feet are in so much pain but is not too bad! you can do it. due to the fact that CMT is a progressive condition i am thinking about my future in nursing and what career path i can take at a later time when i cant be on my feet for too long or at all. hope this answers you questions! feel free to ask more
morte, LPN, LVN
7,015 Posts
Yes, i have heard of it, and yes i know it is progressive. Since you are already so compromised i would advise considering some other healthcare option. social work, mental health counselor come to mind. good luck in whatever you pursue.