LPN 2 RN with MS

[HarleyQuinn86]

I am an LPN and I start RN school this fall. I Was diagnosed in 2010 at 23 years old. I work in a nursing home in an Alzheimer's unit. I love my patients, even the one who gave me a left haymaker, but I've had more bad days then good.

I recently went to part time hours, just to be able to function after work and on my days off instead of just being dead to the world. My husband is very understanding with my fatigue and pain symptoms, but I am severely depressed that I am always tired! I am in so much pain everyday it seems! And I don't know if I'm going to be able to handle this!

I have recently just returned to the nursing home, prior to that I was an in-home nurse that was alot of driving and very boring work. I left the nursing home shortly after I was diagnosed and now I'm back. Did I make the wrong decision on going back to the nursing home? The heat factor is one of the main problems, the hall I work seems like its 90 degrees at all times!

Between that and the stress load, i fear that RN school is going to make me have a relapse and I just mentally can't handle just the thought of having another one! Not being able to walk or talk, think or express my needs. I have never felt more helpless then when i havr a relapse!!!

I just feel I need some help with options, support, and just all around someone to understand me!

[shepardc]

I am an RN with MS. I had my first exacerbation in 1996, but wasn't actually diagnosed until 2009. I had several little things happen in between those years but no one could say it was MS for sure until 2009.

That all being said in 1996 I started a job in the ICU as a tech and decided I was going to go to nursing school at some point in the future. I was married with 2 kids at that time, in 1997 I had another baby so nursing school was put off again. I did start school in 1999. I went to a community college program, 5 semesters and ended up having to go part time as I had to work part time as well. I was exhausted. I worked afternoons 3-11 and went to school during the day. I couldn't figure out why I was so tired all the time. I went to the doctor.

It all makes sense now, MS. I graduated Nursing school in 2002 and right away had health issues. I know now that it was from the stress of school and the new nursing job. Its not easy to start a nursing career. And I started in the ICU. I struggled a lot. I was off work quite a bit the first few years with various things. I did stay in the ICU for 8 years. I left and went to a less physical role but in less than 2 years I was out on short term disability due to my MS.

Nursing is a very physically demanding job. No matter where you work, it takes a toll. I think its a great job, don't get me wrong, I loved being a nurse. But it cost me and I know many others that have paid with their health. If you are already struggling I don't know that it's worth it to put yourself through this. It is not an easy road. You can go to school part time, you can find jobs that are less demanding but for a new nurse looking for work most places want you to get some experience in a hospital first. And that means night shift, which can be tough on you without MS. So think about it carefully.

There are other careers in the health field that are not as stressful that make good money that might be a better fit. Look into radiologic techs, ultra sound technicians, even phlebotomists make decent money. You could also think about medical billing specialist and things like that.

[HarleyQuinn86]

I am thankful for your input, I have been an lpn for 4 years and was dx in the middle! I want to get my rn so can have a possibility for a non bedside nursing job. I've thought about teaching, counseling, MDS, ect. I don't want to leave the field but need more information on what is out there for me!

[Jules A]

Hi,
I actually went to nursing school after being diagnosed because of the flexibility of jobs, schedules and health benefits available for part-time work.

I'm so happy that I did and would suggest you continue with your education if you are able to. The more education you have the more opportunities you will be afforded. I am still well enough to do floor work but also teach which I love. It is fairly easy and at the university level the money is pretty good.

Although some would say I have gambled with my health by working and being in school so much but the money I have made and saved in the past 6 years is priceless to me.

Since I am able it is actually less stressful for me to be exhausted from working all the time than to be worried about my future finances. Just my two cents though. Best of luck to you with whatever you decide. Jules