I have CF but want to be a nurse…any advice? Thanks

I am 36 years old and was diagnosed with CF at 20. I am married and have a healthy 4 year old son. I want to go back to school and become a nurse but my CF nurse doesn't recommend it. I am looking for all the input I can get. So if anyone has CF and is a nurse or knows someone who has CF and is a nurse, I'd really appreciate their advice/opinion. Thank you so much!

I think your CF nurse gives you sound advice. Its not worth the worry and putting yourself in harms way, especially when you have a child.

Hi and welcome,

There are of course risks when it comes to cf and working in an environment known for high concentrations of bacteria. I suppose there's a risk in any environment but hospitals are especially bad for harbouring bacteria that is dangerous to those with cf.

However saying that, I know of a woman with cf who is a midwife and has twins. Then at my local hospital in paediatrics there is a doctor there with CF. I suppose ultimately the decision is yours but there are a lot of big risks involved with working in a healthcare environment that should factor into your decision. That is also including your child who will already be bringing home lots of germs to share with you from school.

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Moderator of the Cystic Fibrosis forum

Hey, I'm Gem with CF, age 29 and diagnosed at 2 years old. I'm no expert but having CF myself I've learnt a few things along the way.
Diagnosed with: Cystic Fibrosis, Asthma, ABPA, Clinical Depression, Mild Liver Cirrohsis, Mild Osteopenia, Erythema Nodosum, Proximal Myositis, Polyarthralgia

Monica,

It also depends on what CF mutation you have. If its a mild version and you are not prone to picking up germs or having a lot of lung issues, you're probably OK.