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Crohn's and working as a nurse

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Crohn's Disease
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Posted 6/22/2009 11:07 PM (GMT 0)
I've been feeling the best I have in years! Which means I now have the energy to make certain changes in my life, mainly my job. For a long time I've been thinking of going back to school to become a nurse. That would mean redoing certain high school classes like Math, Chemistry and Physics first. If I do well in those I would go into an intensive nursing program at our local college and finish in 2 years. If I want to get a University degree in nursing, that would be another 3 years.

But before I embark on that adventure, I'm just wondering if there are any nurses out there with Crohn's who might be able to give me some advice. I'm a little worried that my body won't be able to take the stress of the job... but I've always thought nursing to be an admirable occupation.
Posted 6/23/2009 12:18 AM (GMT 0)
Hey Minou,

Iam in the same place as you. Wanting to do my Nursing, Im doing my upgrading right now. Im feeling my best at the moment too and have been for a while. I also wonder how this profession would be on my body. Iam allready a Community Health Worker and everyhitng is going great. My worry is being around sick people with infections. And Im on Remicade and Imuran soo i run a risk of infection. But my doc has said just to take extra percautions and I do wash my hands alot. I went to a Nursing info session and one of the girls in the session had asked about having personal health problems I think she said she had chronic back problems. and the head of the nursing department had said that she would just have a meeting with all her teachers and discuss how they would handle her situation..I hope any of this helped you, its nice to know someone is in the same boat as me.

 

Posted 6/23/2009 6:54 AM (GMT 0)
I've been a qualified nurse for almost 5 years now, I've always had tummy issues, but it really kicked off 9 months ago, my work are very supportive. It can be stressful and getting regular breaks and finding the time during working hours to look after yourself can be a challenge, but it's the best job in the world, so go for it.
But wash your hands, wash your hands, wash your hands! (especially with c.diff!)
You generally are aware if someone has something infective and just following the standard infection control rules should provide you with the protection you need. (for the most part).
Make sure your occupational health department knows about your situation, they'll be able to advise.
Good luck.
Posted 6/23/2009 4:03 PM (GMT 0)
Thanks for the replies. It really is good to know there are other people in the same boat.

I'm going to call the college later this week and get started on those math/science courses!
Posted 6/23/2009 6:04 PM (GMT 0)

Hi Minou,

Congrats on considering a nursing career. I have been an LPN for 11 years and have had Crohns for 9+ yrs. My employers are very supportive of my condition. Just let your school and employer know your situation so they can accomadate your needs. As for being around sick people, I find that even though I've taken 6mp for the last 7yrs, I get sick less often than my coworkers that have normal healthy immune systems. Good luck with your studies, its a great and rewarding profession.

Posted 6/23/2009 8:20 PM (GMT 0)
not to be a downer, but, I went back to school at age 37 I'm now 46.  I did great during school, but towards the end, and the beginning of my new career, things went down hill.  I am an occupational therapist & I worked in acute hospital setting.  My job is very physical, but one thing I did not consider was being in a "germy" situation.  I was told by my GI to try another setting, the hospital, & my low immune system was not working well together.  Plus the health care system has changed to a business now & the downsizing affects all & the stress level was too much for me.  Long story short, I am now on disability.  I have had CD for more than 25+years.  I guess I saying go for it, but work in a setting like a doc office or something with lower stress than a hospital.

Posted 6/24/2009 6:42 AM (GMT 0)
That's the joy of nursing though, if you aren't compatable with area you're working in there are lots of options.
Posted 6/24/2009 12:23 PM (GMT 0)

Hello,I have been a Pediatric RN for 13 yrs without any issues,when I was first diagnosed 10 yrs ago,I did miss a mth of work,but they were supportive.I have a CNA in nursing school with Chrohns,and work with two Pediatricians with Chrohns,one did stop working by choice,because she was getting too run down being on Humira and working with sick kids all the time.

Stay positive,if you really want to be a nurse,then go for it smilewinkgrin

And,it's very true that there are MANY areas of nursing,I work in a hospital,which is extremely busy and stressful at times,but I do love it.

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