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Nursing and IBD

I'm feeling AMAZING, better than before I got diagnosed with Ulcerative Colitis, mainly because I've always been at one end of the spectrum or the other. Anyway, I was getting worried despite this for a number of reasons.

I'm in college for Nursing because I love taking care of people and I can't help but respect what they deal with. When I was in the hospital, I think I was a loon. (I kept getting EXTREMELY scared. First time being the patient, after all.) Since I was so bad, I kept embarrassing myself but they weren't upset or anything. I want to be that type of nurse. It also helps that I can relate to things some nurses can't. (Like not eating) My problem deals with actually enrolling. It requires a physical. Despite the humira working (though, I'm not confident that will last quite as long as I need to) and feeling better, I'm worried they'll reject me because I have IBD and humira.

How likely is it that they'll reject me just solely for having an unpredictable disease? (Or at least, a disease that won't let me work near certain types of patients like C.Diff)I'm not even sure if I can get all my shots because I'm not sure if humira impairs the immune system like that. Any nurses that can confirm or deny it?
 

Cat-a-Tonic

Super Moderator
I believe there are a handful of nurse on the forum. I don't know the answer to your questions for sure, but from what I've seen on the forum it seems like IBD isn't something that would prevent you from being a nurse. And I'd also like to say that I really appreciate you and what you're doing - we need more caring and empathetic nurses like you in the world! :)
 
I believe there are a handful of nurse on the forum. I don't know the answer to your questions for sure, but from what I've seen on the forum it seems like IBD isn't something that would prevent you from being a nurse. And I'd also like to say that I really appreciate you and what you're doing - we need more caring and empathetic nurses like you in the world! :)
Thank you for that!
 
I know that where I come from having IBD wouldn't stop you from training and working as a nurse. There are many reasons accommodations need to be made for people in healthcare roles e.g. pregnant employees, nurses with penicillin allergies.

I worked in a hospital both before and after I was diagnosed (not as a nurse though so can't speak specifically to that, sorry). I was linked in with Occupational health but there were no real limitations on where I worked. I took extra precautions such as not entering rooms of people with very infectious diseases and being extremely careful with my hand hygiene with c.diff, MRSA, norovirus etc.

Hopefully someone with a nursing background can give you some specific advice. Regarding vaccines, it's only live ones we can't get so you'll be able to get Hep B and tetanus if you need them.
 
I know that where I come from having IBD wouldn't stop you from training and working as a nurse. There are many reasons accommodations need to be made for people in healthcare roles e.g. pregnant employees, nurses with penicillin allergies.

I worked in a hospital both before and after I was diagnosed (not as a nurse though so can't speak specifically to that, sorry). I was linked in with Occupational health but there were no real limitations on where I worked. I took extra precautions such as not entering rooms of people with very infectious diseases and being extremely careful with my hand hygiene with c.diff, MRSA, norovirus etc.

Hopefully someone with a nursing background can give you some specific advice. Regarding vaccines, it's only live ones we can't get so you'll be able to get Hep B and tetanus if you need them.
Currently, I have all the vaccines done (though, I might need more by the time I'm actually in the program) but I don't know which is required because all that has been said is that they require vaccination history. I remember prior to getting UC, I had a few live shots, but that was about it. (Though, that was two years ago, I think)
 
Currently, I have all the vaccines done (though, I might need more by the time I'm actually in the program) but I don't know which is required because all that has been said is that they require vaccination history. I remember prior to getting UC, I had a few live shots, but that was about it. (Though, that was two years ago, I think)
Normally they just want to confirm you've had the standard childhood vaccinations including MMR and tetanus. This varies country to country though. Hep B was the only additional one we required.

Not being able to receive a live vaccine shouldn't prevent you pursuing your nursing studies, just like people who are non-responders to Hep B aren't.

Nursing is a great career, tough and challenging but rewarding. I hope you get to fulfill your career plans.
 
Normally they just want to confirm you've had the standard childhood vaccinations including MMR and tetanus. This varies country to country though. Hep B was the only additional one we required.

Not being able to receive a live vaccine shouldn't prevent you pursuing your nursing studies, just like people who are non-responders to Hep B aren't.

Nursing is a great career, tough and challenging but rewarding. I hope you get to fulfill your career plans.
Thanks for that confirmation!
 
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