RA and working as a nurse?

[Ellarose85]

I just wondered if anyone can offer a bit of advice.

It's looking like I will be diagnosed with RA, my doctor is pretty sure of it but just waiting for some test results to confirm it.

I am hoping to train as a nurse once my DCs have started school with a view to work as an intensive care nurse or health visitor. A couple of people have said that I may be unable to do this with RA as it may affect my ability to do my job safely.

Could anyone shed any light on this for me?

[Tiggeryoubastard]

RA?

[originalusernamefail]

Hi, OP I work in intensive care with a back injury. It is heavy, heavy work at times. You need to reposition patients, move beds and equipment, around the ward and to and from departments for scans etc. It does depend on how your RA affects you. The good thing about it is ICU tends to have lots of staff who can help with the heavier things. There are lots of other nursing jobs which are less physical like HV, and there are new developments such as telemedicine and virtual wards that you could look into.

[Blueberry234]

I have arthritis and ankloysing spondylitis I work as a specialist nurse for 2 days a week which I find plenty due to fatigue.
My concern would be the training is heavy going physically and mentally and the hours are long with minimal time for self care

[DonkeysDontRideBicycles]

RA =Rheumatoid Arthritis, Tigger.

originalusernamefail is in the profession so will know what she's talking about but I was thinking of fatigue as mentioned and also the possibility that, depending on the medication you are prescribed, your own immune system could be compromised.

[Ellarose85]

Thanks for everyone's replies. I am going to go ahead with my training and aim to work in health visiting I think if I am diagnosed with RA.

The fatigue is hard but I have two kids under two so it's just normal for me at the minute!

[DonkeysDontRideBicycles]

Two under 2, imagine you must be on the go all the time! Good luck wih your training.

Hadn't refreshed the page sorry Blueberry didn't mean to ignore you!

[Ellarose85]

Thank you donkey, yes it's safe to say that I have my hands full!