Can i be a nurse with Arthritis?????

loopylou94

Hey i was diagnosed with arthritis in febuary 2011 and i am now looking at going to uni next september and hope to study childrens nursing, i was wandering whether putting arthritis on my ucas form is going to limit my chances of being accepted?????????????? Would really appreciate it if someone would help me!!!! i have looked at it for years and this is all i want to do and i really dont want having arthritis to ruin my chances!!!!!! would really appreciate it if you would help me!!! any advice greatfully recieved
xxxxxx

Starburst

Hey loopylou,

I'm about to go into my 2nd year of university - social work student, so not a mile away from nursing in terms of placements etc. Legally, they cannot and will not discriminate against you. If I recall correctly, you just identify that you have an illness/disability and don't specificy on your UCAS form. I have a nurse friend who has lupus and arthritis. She can perform most of her duties and copes well.

Wishing you lots of luck with applying to university.

Sophie x

P.S. Do you know about the Disabled Students Allowance? It's been very helpful for me.

Thedreamersdaughter

I'm currently in Nursing school now, I have about 12 months to go for my LVN then will be completing my RN in a years time. It's not easy..especially not feeling well and having to go to class and clinicals that have you on your feet for long hours, But if it's your passion you will carry on. Just know when to sit, ask for help and take it easy.

Good luck to you on your future endeavors. And you'll be a great nurse

howellandrew

If you think that you can do your work without any problem then you can go for the nursing. It is better to check your ability yourself at least one week and then decide to go further.

charlie92

hi i am currently in my seccond year of childrens nursing there have been a few problems along the way but i am getting there because i want to do it. if it is something you want to do go for it. i was always honest about my arthritis so they were aware and i managed to get a place. my consultants have helped me along the way as there was an issue with immunisations that i needed but could not have as they were live vaccines. if u need any support your consultant and nurse specialist will be happy to help.
disabled students allowance has been usefull and also make sure you get a student support plan in place so you are able to have extra time in exams and assignments.
hope this helps

rubixcube

Hey just a headsup I am first year at university and under the Equality Act 2010 they cannot legally discriminate against you.

In fact it can work in your favour. I get free taxi journeys to and from uni every day, have been given a new (very light) laptop, with ergonomic mouse (called the Penguin, its amazing!), ergonomic keyboard and an amazing chair (cost £800). I was also given dictaphone with computer software to organise it. And even more software like mindmap and microsoft Office.

I also get notetakers in lectures who take notes for me. In exams I will have a scribe who writes for me. If any of my work comes in late due to me having an arthritis flare up, they cannot mark me down. If I feel unable to do presentation due to my arthritis they must mark me on my written preparation.

All you have to do is print off the online form for DSA and send it off to them, once you get the form back you will have to arrange to see a local assessor and give them your DSA number. They will have a meeting with you for a good hour or two to discuss your needs. Don't be afraid to ask for whatever you think you need. They will then send off their recomendations to Student Finance England who will (99% of the time) approve it straight off. Then you should start receiving all your equipment and IT experts will come and train you to use all the equipment and software.

Finally you need to liase with your uni to get the other support you need.

It was a bit of effort getting it all set up, but it has been so worth it. I really feel like I have not been disadvantaged in any way due to my illness.

So if you want to be a nurse, go for it! You can't let arthritis hold you back!

littlemissmai

Hi, I've recently qualified as a staff nurse and I just wanted to advice you that it's always best to be 100% honest with your university. Having a disability often works in your favour in fact, they cannot discriminate you because of it. I didn't have a diagnosis while I was studying for my nursing degree but they were aware that I had joint problems and was undergoing tests, it didn't pose any problems for me.

I've started my first full time job and still waiting for a confirmed diagnosis, as soon as I get the diagnosis I will have to inform my employer. As long as I am still fit to practice as a nurse there shouldn't be any problems.

Honesty is the best policy, don't let your arthritis prevent you from applying!

Lmm x

lizzy100

I hope so because im going to be a doctor with arthritis :roll:

katherine810

Hello!

I'm in my second year of training to be a Childrens Nurse and it is possible but it is difficult at times. I'd definitely recommend putting it on your UCAS and being honest about your arthritis so you can get every bit of support you can as it all helps!

Some adaptations I have are doing shorter shifts on placement so 8 hour days instead of 12 and a half... and when I had a flare I asked to spend some time in outpatients instead of on the ward as it meant I had less time on my feet but could still learn. It took me a while to speak up about my arthritis to the nurses on placement but I wish I did sooner as to start with I just tried to get on like everyone else but often had nurses ask me if I was okay as I was limping after a 12 hour shift and could barely walk to my car!

There is more support with academic work I think as you can get equipment and exam adjustments.

If you need to know anything about my experience so far you can always get in contact with me.
Katherine