nursing

[Isabella]

I am about to start an accelerated BSN--(nursing)program which is 13 months long. It is very intense!!! Everyone tells me that I am crazy for attemting this with this condition. Is nursing just going to be too much for me? Can anyone help with some advice.

[SheriG]

Hi! hi I am an RN, but went thru the prgram more than 20 years ago. If it is at all the same, it is grueling, and requires all of your time and attention. If you are in remission, go for it, otherwise, I think I might wait...Best wishes grouphug

[dminton]

It depends on what you mean when you say "this condition". It is true that a nursing program, even a non-accelerated one, is VERY intense, even for folks with good study habits, etc. Add in a family or any life outside of the program, and you have one very full-time situation.

I know I could not have completed the nursing program if I had not been in remission at the time. Although, perhaps I could have done it with very mild symptoms that did not cause pain, or interfere with concentration, or cause frequency of urination.

I guess if you have a mild case of IC, that is very well controlled, you might want to go for it.

[dminton]

It depends on what you mean when you say "this condition". It is true that a nursing program, even a non-accelerated one, is VERY intense, even for folks with good study habits, etc. Add in a family or any life outside of the program, and you have one very full-time situation.

I know I could not have completed the nursing program if I had not been in remission at the time. Although, perhaps I could have done it with very mild symptoms that did not cause pain, or interfere with concentration, or cause frequency of urination.

I guess if you have a mild case of IC, that is very well controlled, you might want to go for it.

[rnewman]

Hi Isabella!!! Welcome to ICN!!


My name is Rachel. I was diagnosed with IC at 20 years old.....after the first year of nursing school which I spent running to bathrooms all mornings in clinicals. I figured out that wasnt normal.....and then they figured out IC.

Senior year of nursing school was tough, and I was lucky enough to have a professor who was very supportive and helped me get through nursing while I was also figuring out what treatment worked for me and my IC. Once I got it down, it was no problem.....I mean nursing school was tough, but not any tougher for me.

After finishing my BSN I went on to an accelerated 12 month MSN program. My IC was in good control, but as soon as I moved to a new city and had a new lifestyle it was crazy again. But I found new doctors, and used some of my old strategies, and got it worked out.

And sure enough....as soon as it was stable again....well I started a new job about a month ago, and my IC officially reacted YESTERDAY lol. A bit out of control again. I think we could say all these situations are stress related wink

What I am trying to tell you though is that IT IS POSSIBLE. Know what works for you (for me, good diet, lots of water, almond milk and prelief. If I start to flare, I increase my water intake and I do my physical therapy exersizes. My muscles are usally what put me out. I have my rescue meds for before bed if I need to.) I planned for that MSN program to be doing nothing but school and taking care of myself. Knowing what works BEFORE your schedule is thrown at you and overtakes your life really helps the IC part. Having a good doctor around that you trust to help you through is a plus. And, as silly as it sounds, always have your water, and always pack your lunch. These little things make it so much more bearable.

And once you are in the program awhile, find a wonderful teacher and role model to share your information with, and maybe even a close classmate. Chances are, not only will they be impressed your doing the program, but also sympathetic and interested in the underlying pathophysiology. Then YOU get a chance to do the educating and get the word out there about IC.

I hope this helps a bit. If you have any questions at ALL, please feel free to ask or PM me.
Big hugs,
Rachel (CRNP!!! )

[Kelli]

Isabella,
First off I think that Rachel is a very good person to talk with about this. She was on the ICN during some of her schooling and would NOT, for any reason give up! I think she's a wonderful, hard working person and will be someone with excellent advice for you. One thing you have to do is not allow others to tell you what you should or should not do. If you feel this is something you can handle, by all means go for it. Any type of schooling is hard, time consuming, and stressful. Especially for someone with health issues. But don't let IC stop you from living your life. Obtaining a nursing degree is not something you decide to do overnight. It takes a special person to get into the field. You are special for considering it! Also, you can also go to school on a part time basis if you need to. It will take longer than the original 13 months, but either way, the outcome is the same.
I wish you the best of luck. Keep your IC tools handy and you can accomplish anything you set your mind to. Even when your bladder doesn't agree!

Hugs,
Kelli

[rnewman]

Keep your IC tools handy and you can accomplish anything you set your mind to. Even when your bladder doesn't agree!

Well said Kelli. You are right!!

Big Hugs,
Rachel

[rnewman]

and while we are on the topic...


along with packing my water and my lunch for the day, one trick in my "tool" kit that I could use during the day at clinical was a heating pad. I always kept one of those thermacare disposable heating pads in my backpack just in case. They last about 12 hours, and sometimes, they were (and still are!!) lifesavers!

Rachel

[shellby]

IM ALSO GOING TO NURSSING SCHOOL THIS SUMMER. I THINK IT IS GRATE. YOU WILL BE JUST FINE. GO FOR IT. WE STILL NEED TO LIVE. RIGHT

[Dianne]

Yes it's possible. I'm still able to work 1/2 time. It's a struggle but I'm doing it.
Dianne, RNC
(day shift charge nurse in OB)

[YankeeCandle224]

Wow, you are really motivated! How wonderful. I remember graduating/ the pinning ceremony like it was yesterday and it was the happiest day of my life (well, ONE of the most happy days).

Sheri is right, I went thru school about 15 years ago, and it IS grueling, demanding, and you have to study study study.

The key for you is getting frequency and urgency under control, ASAP.

When I was working, I'd work a 12 hour shift, and realized I hadnt peed in about 13 hours, including right before I left for work. Now when I dont even think I have to go, bam, all of a sudden I have to do and go right then.

I want you to realize your dream though and there has to be a way, and I want you to know I'm behind you all the way for support, etc. Nursing isnt just a profession, it gets into your soul, and its almost like a drug, you must have it.

Talk to your uro, or get a second opinion on treatment options to at least get you thru lectures and lab times......there are a lot of meds to reduce those symptoms.

Please feel free to private message me as I have some more personal things related to nursing that I'd like to say in private.

I wish you the best of luck, and remember, if this is what you REALLY REALLY want to do, then you have to find a way to do it, because nobody wants to live their lives and say "I wish I had finished this, or that, etc".

Hugs, Sandy