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Nursing Career With Crohn's?

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Crohn's Disease
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Posted 5/31/2015 4:03 PM (GMT 0)
Hello!

My name is Caitlin and I am a 22-year old college student. My career goal is to become a nurse-midwife, and I am wondering if there are any Crohn's sufferers in this forum who are nurses or medical professionals. I'm just worried about how this disease will affect my work. I have moderate Crohn's, so it's not the worst, but it's still very uncomfortable. Any feedback would be greatly appreciated!

Thank you! smilewinkgrin
Posted 6/1/2015 2:04 AM (GMT 0)
Hi there!

I have crohn's and am a registered nurse . Do you have any specific questions on how you're afraid it may affect you? I know for me one of the biggest things I've had to deal with was feeling so tired and run down at times. I do work 12 hours and shifts so I know that doesn't help. Feel free to ask any specific questions if you want :)
Posted 6/1/2015 2:07 AM (GMT 0)
Honestly, I think the part about working in the medical profession that would worry me the most is the exposure to illnesses. If you are working as a midwife as opposed to an ER or nursing home, for example, then your exposure is less (I imagine). But that would be a bit more of a concern than the symptoms interfering with work, IMO. I was a middle school teacher and I missed more days from catching kids' bugs they brought to school (and that making my Crohn's flare) than actually having Crohn's problems that started on their own.
Posted 6/1/2015 2:42 AM (GMT 0)
I'M A REGISTERED NURSE FOR 12Years. Don't share stethoscope caught MRSA in the ears once.Keep your earpieces off surfaces everything is contaminated. Wear mask when taking care of people coughing because respiratory bacteria will infect you quick. I recover kids in the OR when u remove oral airways and they wake up from anesthesia coughing especially tonsil and adenoidectomy cases because they have infected throats.I tested positive for a bacteria that the kids have often. Since starting Humira I have learned to take extra precautions to stay healthier. If u really have a passion to be a nurse Crohns won't stop u because nursing is in your blood.Having a chronic illness makes u a better nurse when u been a patient. Good luck with your career.



Humira ,Protonix Prednisone,Bupropion,Ativan.Diagnosed with UC at 13 Totalcolectomy at age 16 diagnosed with Crohns of small bowel and J pouch at 41.Life is still good :-)
Posted 6/1/2015 1:02 PM (GMT 0)
I'm an advanced practice nurse with UC on remicade. I work in the OR taking care of patients with all sorts of isolation precautions and haven't had any problems. I've had to take 2 extended medical leaves in the last 18 months so keep in mind that you have 12 weeks of FMLA for job protection and if you need more time that that, you can request an accommodation through the Americans with Disabilities Act. FMLA can be taken intermittently which means you can apply for FMLA so that a sick day related to your crohn's doesn't negatively effect your job status.

I will echo what was previously stated. You will be an amazing nurse because you have a chronic disease and know what it's like to be on the patient side. Good luck!
Posted 6/6/2015 11:58 AM (GMT 0)
I was diagnosed with Chron's 2 years ago having thought I had IBS for 20 years.
I've been a Registered Nurse for 20 years also and have found that it hasn't affected my work. I've been lucky enough to have never had a hospitalisation with the disease and don't think I get anymore illnesses than those around me. I do get tired, but doesn't everybody?
Follow your dream it's a great career!
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