Will i get in uni to train as a nurse if i have osteoarthritis?

I have osteoarthritis in my left shoulder, will this stop me from getting in university to train as a nurse. I know you have an occupational health check before and your GP has to fill in your forms. I hope this will not stop me as i manage the condition myself with glucosamine and pain killers when needed.

There is no reason why you should not be accepted if you have the appropriate entry requirements. Perhaps in your training you will discover that alternative therapies like glucosamine are of minimal value. Exercise as much as you can to keep the shoulder free.

Good luck, it is a hard slog.

it should not be a problem but just be aware that sometimes you might have to lift things.

consider the jobs you will be doing if you qualify in nursing - lifting heavy patients, lots of bending and stretching - would it not be better to reconsider?

You'll get in no problem. You know your body well so you wil know your limitations. Dont worry about lifting anything because those days are gone(or they should be). There are lots of mechanical aids for moving and handling (or there should be by law). Slide sheets are used for manouvering difficult patients in bed.

My friends mother had bad arthritis as a nurse, and she ended up hurting herself really bad when she had to lift somebody, she had to retire early because of it, so there are risks. I never went in for paramedics training as I have bad knees that can dislocate and this has ended up with rheumatic arthritis. Maybe you should just choose a specific type of nursing like in the paediatric sector where the lifting will not be as heavy.

all the answers seem negative but to a point some things said are correct but i will say to you Di go for it and if your osteoarthritis gets no worse and i hope it doesn't you will make a good nurse with your positive attitude the nursing profession need people like you

hmmm, I dont want to be negative towards your ambition...But as a health care professional...You may find you are unable to perform tasks necessary as a nurse..theres a lot of repetition involved... Making beds-sometimes 20-30 in a row, ... shirfting people up the bed, rolling patients, supporting them when they're reduced mobility...

Its kinda important you're fully phyically able... imagine if you were unable to support someone and they fell..You'd be liable...

I suggest as you are the only one who knows the true limitations of your condition, discuss this with the course leader... But ask yourself...Are you setting yourself up for a fall...

I hope not and I hope you suceed, but if your G.P or health questionnaire prevents you getting in, i'd say that was for the best as far as everyone was concerned....

Best wishes

im entering 3rd year nursing, having this condition will not prevent u training...u will be expected to perform the same tasks as all other students but we are trained to lift and move patients etc using aids and machinary, lifting does not mean physically pushing and pulling these days. u will have to manage using devices like hoist levers but they dont put too much strain on you. i know that a totally deaf girl completed her training.....if u have a disability and can find a way of performing everyday nursing tasks u will be accepted! good luck

Uni's have to all adopted an Equal Opps policy so aslong as you have the qualifications and qualities for nursing,you are entitled to a place. it's up to you then to figure out your limitations but these day's lifting patients is not common practice and more often than not if this is needed there are suppose to be hoist in place. i start my training in April. Good Luck.