Things are getting desperate in the job search area in my life. Lately I have been seriously considering going back to what I have the most experience in which is cooking. I have been thinking about going to a nursing home or hospital and seeing if I can get a job in their nutrition dept. I know from experience that cooking in these places is a lot different from cooking in a restaurant (I have done both). My thinking is that having a celiac working in a food service that must deal with peoples allergies and intolerances might be advantagous to both them and me. Plus these type of work environments generally have health insurance as a benefit, something I haven't had in a long time.
My kids seem to think the idea is crazy. What do you guys think?
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21 replies to this topic
#1
ravenwoodglass
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Posted 03 September 2012 - 11:43 AM
Courage does not always roar, sometimes courage is the quiet voice at the end of the day saying
"I will try again tommorrow" (Mary Anne Radmacher)
celiac 49 years - Misdiagnosed for 45
Blood tested and repeatedly negative
Diagnosed by Allergist with elimination diet and diagnosis confirmed by GI in 2002
Misdiagnoses for 15 years were IBS-D, ataxia, migraines, anxiety, depression, fibromyalgia, parathesias, arthritis, livedo reticularis, hairloss, premature menopause, osteoporosis, kidney damage, diverticulosis, prediabetes and ulcers, dermatitis herpeformis
All bold resoved or went into remission with proper diagnosis of Celiac November 2002
Some residual nerve damage remains as of 2006- this has continued to resolve after eliminating soy in 2007
Mother died of celiac related cancer at 56
Twin brother died as a result of autoimmune liver destruction at age 15
Children 2 with Ulcers, GERD, Depression, , 1 with DH, 1 with severe growth stunting (male adult 5 feet)both finally diagnosed Celiac through blood testing and 1 with endo 6 months after Mom
Positive to Soy and Casien also Aug 2007
Gluten Sensitivity Gene Test Aug 2007
HLA-DQB1 Molecular analysis, Allele 1 0303
HLA-DQB1 Molecular analysis, Allele 2 0303
Serologic equivalent: HLA-DQ 3,3 (Subtype 9,9)
"I will try again tommorrow" (Mary Anne Radmacher)
celiac 49 years - Misdiagnosed for 45
Blood tested and repeatedly negative
Diagnosed by Allergist with elimination diet and diagnosis confirmed by GI in 2002
Misdiagnoses for 15 years were IBS-D, ataxia, migraines, anxiety, depression, fibromyalgia, parathesias, arthritis, livedo reticularis, hairloss, premature menopause, osteoporosis, kidney damage, diverticulosis, prediabetes and ulcers, dermatitis herpeformis
All bold resoved or went into remission with proper diagnosis of Celiac November 2002
Some residual nerve damage remains as of 2006- this has continued to resolve after eliminating soy in 2007
Mother died of celiac related cancer at 56
Twin brother died as a result of autoimmune liver destruction at age 15
Children 2 with Ulcers, GERD, Depression, , 1 with DH, 1 with severe growth stunting (male adult 5 feet)both finally diagnosed Celiac through blood testing and 1 with endo 6 months after Mom
Positive to Soy and Casien also Aug 2007
Gluten Sensitivity Gene Test Aug 2007
HLA-DQB1 Molecular analysis, Allele 1 0303
HLA-DQB1 Molecular analysis, Allele 2 0303
Serologic equivalent: HLA-DQ 3,3 (Subtype 9,9)
#2
kareng
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Let them eat gluten-free cake!
Posted 03 September 2012 - 11:45 AM
Doesn't seem crazy to me. Baking probably wouldn't be involved. That might be the only thing I would really worry about.
Celiac.com - Celiac Disease Board Moderator
"I believe that if life gives you lemons, you should make lemonade... And try to find somebody whose life has given them vodka, and have a party" - Ron White
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#3
IrishHeart
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Posted 03 September 2012 - 11:50 AM
I think it's a brilliant idea (and I would just avoid any baking as well).
Knowing your kind nature, this would be ideal for them to have you on staff.
Good luck, Raven!
Knowing your kind nature, this would be ideal for them to have you on staff.
Good luck, Raven!
"Life is not the way it's supposed to be. It's the way it is. The way we cope with it makes the difference." Virginia Satir
"It isn't for the moment you are struck that you need courage, but for the long uphill climb back to sanity, faith and security." Anne Morrow Lindbergh
"Kindness in words creates confidence. Kindness in thinking creates profoundness. Kindness in giving creates love."
Lao Tzu
"The strongest of all warriors are these two - time and patience." Leo Tolstoy
Misdiagnosed for 25+ years; finally DXed on 11/01/10. I figured it out myself. Double DQ2 genes. This thing tried to kill me. I view Celiac as a fire breathing dragon --and I have run my sword right through his throat.
I. Win. 
Celiac.com - Celiac Disease Board Moderator
#4
tom
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Posted 03 September 2012 - 11:52 AM
Far from crazy, I think it sounds awesome. It's heartwrenching to read of hospitalized celiacs having problems getting safe food. 
>>>>>>> tom <<<<<<<
Celiac 1st diagnosed as a toddler, in the 60s. Docs then, between bloodletting & leech-tending, said "he'll grow out of it" & I was back on gluten & mostly fine for 30yrs.
Gluten-free since 12-03
Dairy-free since 10-04
Soy-free since 5-07
Celiac 1st diagnosed as a toddler, in the 60s. Docs then, between bloodletting & leech-tending, said "he'll grow out of it" & I was back on gluten & mostly fine for 30yrs.
Gluten-free since 12-03
Dairy-free since 10-04
Soy-free since 5-07
#5
GottaSki
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"Migratory flight complete."
Posted 03 September 2012 - 12:01 PM
I think that sounds like a wonderful idea ~ good luck in your job search ~ they will be lucky to have you 
-Lisa
Undiagnosed Celiac Disease ~ 43 years
3/26/09 gluten-free - dignosed celiac - blood 3/3/09, biopsy 3/26/09, double DQ2 / single DQ8 positive
10/27/09 diagnosed fibromyalgia - supplemented with amino acids - improvement followed by substantial deterioration
maybe one good hour per day for ~17 months
8/10/11 - Elimination Diet for Autoimmune Disease - incredible improvement along with clear reactions to most high lectin foods
only remaining symptom - severe heat intolerance / reaction to heat, humidity and exercise
Tomato, Pepper, Potato, Peanut, Soy, Bean, Pea, Citrus, Pineapple, Avocado, Shellfish, Dairy, Grain, Nut and Seed FREE
3/1/12 - Horrible flare -- same ol' symptoms but worse ~ 7/1/12 - Endo: Active Celiac 3+ years - as gluten-free as humanly possible.
11/15/12 - Improving once again - Almonds back - Eggs gone
12/1/12 - Histamine containing and inducing foods FREE - finally the last piece of the puzzle (I hope) -- the cause of my heat/exercise "allergy"...
...this was one of my earliest symptoms as a child -- the enzyme (DAO) needed to regulate histamine is created in the small intestine.
If you have read this far - hang in there - obtaining health with any AI is a marathon, not a sprint!
This stubbornly tenacious feisty optimist is vertical once again.
Celiac.com - Celiac Disease Board Moderator
#6
eatmeat4good
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Posted 03 September 2012 - 12:31 PM
I don't see how you could keep yourself safe in that environment if they bake or use wheat flour in the kitchen at all. Gloves and masks can only do so much. Just thinking about how you would manage your health, not trying to put a damper on your dream.
Healing is a matter of time, but it is sometimes also a matter of opportunity.
--Hippocrates
--Hippocrates
#7
JNBunnie1
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Posted 03 September 2012 - 12:42 PM
I would think most hospital environments would not be baking on site- perhaps I'm wrong about that. But if it's possible for you to do it safely, I think it's a fantastic idea. I've considered something similar for myself.
If you're going through hell, keep going. ~Winston Churchill
#8
ravenwoodglass
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Posted 03 September 2012 - 12:43 PM
Yea I wouldn't be able to bake. But at the time I worked in the hospital cafe there was no baking. All breads etc were premade. I am hoping that is still the case. I don't know about nursing homes but I guess I will find out over the coming weeks.
Courage does not always roar, sometimes courage is the quiet voice at the end of the day saying
"I will try again tommorrow" (Mary Anne Radmacher)
celiac 49 years - Misdiagnosed for 45
Blood tested and repeatedly negative
Diagnosed by Allergist with elimination diet and diagnosis confirmed by GI in 2002
Misdiagnoses for 15 years were IBS-D, ataxia, migraines, anxiety, depression, fibromyalgia, parathesias, arthritis, livedo reticularis, hairloss, premature menopause, osteoporosis, kidney damage, diverticulosis, prediabetes and ulcers, dermatitis herpeformis
All bold resoved or went into remission with proper diagnosis of Celiac November 2002
Some residual nerve damage remains as of 2006- this has continued to resolve after eliminating soy in 2007
Mother died of celiac related cancer at 56
Twin brother died as a result of autoimmune liver destruction at age 15
Children 2 with Ulcers, GERD, Depression, , 1 with DH, 1 with severe growth stunting (male adult 5 feet)both finally diagnosed Celiac through blood testing and 1 with endo 6 months after Mom
Positive to Soy and Casien also Aug 2007
Gluten Sensitivity Gene Test Aug 2007
HLA-DQB1 Molecular analysis, Allele 1 0303
HLA-DQB1 Molecular analysis, Allele 2 0303
Serologic equivalent: HLA-DQ 3,3 (Subtype 9,9)
"I will try again tommorrow" (Mary Anne Radmacher)
celiac 49 years - Misdiagnosed for 45
Blood tested and repeatedly negative
Diagnosed by Allergist with elimination diet and diagnosis confirmed by GI in 2002
Misdiagnoses for 15 years were IBS-D, ataxia, migraines, anxiety, depression, fibromyalgia, parathesias, arthritis, livedo reticularis, hairloss, premature menopause, osteoporosis, kidney damage, diverticulosis, prediabetes and ulcers, dermatitis herpeformis
All bold resoved or went into remission with proper diagnosis of Celiac November 2002
Some residual nerve damage remains as of 2006- this has continued to resolve after eliminating soy in 2007
Mother died of celiac related cancer at 56
Twin brother died as a result of autoimmune liver destruction at age 15
Children 2 with Ulcers, GERD, Depression, , 1 with DH, 1 with severe growth stunting (male adult 5 feet)both finally diagnosed Celiac through blood testing and 1 with endo 6 months after Mom
Positive to Soy and Casien also Aug 2007
Gluten Sensitivity Gene Test Aug 2007
HLA-DQB1 Molecular analysis, Allele 1 0303
HLA-DQB1 Molecular analysis, Allele 2 0303
Serologic equivalent: HLA-DQ 3,3 (Subtype 9,9)
#9
mbrookes
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Posted 03 September 2012 - 12:54 PM
Sounds like a really good idea. Do you have any training in the nutrition field? They might have regulations that require that if you want to have input into the menu or recipes. I salute you for looking for solutions rather that moaning about your situation.
#10
ravenwoodglass
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Posted 03 September 2012 - 01:17 PM
I only had one nutrition class while working on my Human Service degree however before I worked in the hospital previously I had years of experience working in a restuarant that was the only one in town that dealt with folks with food allergies. I stopped cooking and went to college because all my doctors said it was the stress of the job that was making me sick. I don't expect to have input into the menus, the nutritionists and head cooks do those. I would however be able to keep naturally gluten-free foods safe as far as the handling goes and let folks know what is safe and what isn't that is coming from the main kitchen and off my grill.Sounds like a really good idea. Do you have any training in the nutrition field? They might have regulations that require that if you want to have input into the menu or recipes. I salute you for looking for solutions rather that moaning about your situation.
Courage does not always roar, sometimes courage is the quiet voice at the end of the day saying
"I will try again tommorrow" (Mary Anne Radmacher)
celiac 49 years - Misdiagnosed for 45
Blood tested and repeatedly negative
Diagnosed by Allergist with elimination diet and diagnosis confirmed by GI in 2002
Misdiagnoses for 15 years were IBS-D, ataxia, migraines, anxiety, depression, fibromyalgia, parathesias, arthritis, livedo reticularis, hairloss, premature menopause, osteoporosis, kidney damage, diverticulosis, prediabetes and ulcers, dermatitis herpeformis
All bold resoved or went into remission with proper diagnosis of Celiac November 2002
Some residual nerve damage remains as of 2006- this has continued to resolve after eliminating soy in 2007
Mother died of celiac related cancer at 56
Twin brother died as a result of autoimmune liver destruction at age 15
Children 2 with Ulcers, GERD, Depression, , 1 with DH, 1 with severe growth stunting (male adult 5 feet)both finally diagnosed Celiac through blood testing and 1 with endo 6 months after Mom
Positive to Soy and Casien also Aug 2007
Gluten Sensitivity Gene Test Aug 2007
HLA-DQB1 Molecular analysis, Allele 1 0303
HLA-DQB1 Molecular analysis, Allele 2 0303
Serologic equivalent: HLA-DQ 3,3 (Subtype 9,9)
"I will try again tommorrow" (Mary Anne Radmacher)
celiac 49 years - Misdiagnosed for 45
Blood tested and repeatedly negative
Diagnosed by Allergist with elimination diet and diagnosis confirmed by GI in 2002
Misdiagnoses for 15 years were IBS-D, ataxia, migraines, anxiety, depression, fibromyalgia, parathesias, arthritis, livedo reticularis, hairloss, premature menopause, osteoporosis, kidney damage, diverticulosis, prediabetes and ulcers, dermatitis herpeformis
All bold resoved or went into remission with proper diagnosis of Celiac November 2002
Some residual nerve damage remains as of 2006- this has continued to resolve after eliminating soy in 2007
Mother died of celiac related cancer at 56
Twin brother died as a result of autoimmune liver destruction at age 15
Children 2 with Ulcers, GERD, Depression, , 1 with DH, 1 with severe growth stunting (male adult 5 feet)both finally diagnosed Celiac through blood testing and 1 with endo 6 months after Mom
Positive to Soy and Casien also Aug 2007
Gluten Sensitivity Gene Test Aug 2007
HLA-DQB1 Molecular analysis, Allele 1 0303
HLA-DQB1 Molecular analysis, Allele 2 0303
Serologic equivalent: HLA-DQ 3,3 (Subtype 9,9)
#11
sora
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Posted 03 September 2012 - 02:05 PM
I worked a nursing home for a while and all baked stuff/desserts were brought in frozen. We would sit them out to thaw and then someone would portion them. Good luck to you in you job hunt.Yea I wouldn't be able to bake. But at the time I worked in the hospital cafe there was no baking. All breads etc were premade. I am hoping that is still the case. I don't know about nursing homes but I guess I will find out over the coming weeks.
Wheat Allergy
Chemical (scent) Allergy
“Ah, but I was so much older then, I’m younger than that now.”
#12
rosetapper23
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Posted 03 September 2012 - 02:24 PM
I think this is a great idea....but you might also consider taking it even further and starting your own consulting business (since you have a cooking background) to train the staff's of nursing homes and elder-care community housing in the preparing and serving of gluten-free meals, etc. I believe in patient advocacy...and this area is currently very lacking in skilled personnel.
#13
IrishHeart
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Warrior Princess
Posted 03 September 2012 - 03:12 PM
I think this is a great idea....but you might also consider taking it even further and starting your own consulting business (since you have a cooking background) to train the staff's of nursing homes and elder-care community housing in the preparing and serving of gluten-free meals, etc. I believe in patient advocacy...and this area is currently very lacking in skilled personnel.
YES!!! Wise thoughts, Rosie! I could not agree more. I have been thinking a lot about people in nursing homes who may be in need of this service. People in mental health wards. People who look to food pantries and do not get what they need from the available stock. When I feel better, I think I will help the local food pantries stock a few shelves with gluten-free supplies.
My biggest fear is I will end up in the hospital or a rehab facility (but I have people who will bring me food).... what about the rest of the gluten-free population without resources?
"Life is not the way it's supposed to be. It's the way it is. The way we cope with it makes the difference." Virginia Satir
"It isn't for the moment you are struck that you need courage, but for the long uphill climb back to sanity, faith and security." Anne Morrow Lindbergh
"Kindness in words creates confidence. Kindness in thinking creates profoundness. Kindness in giving creates love."
Lao Tzu
"The strongest of all warriors are these two - time and patience." Leo Tolstoy
Misdiagnosed for 25+ years; finally DXed on 11/01/10. I figured it out myself. Double DQ2 genes. This thing tried to kill me. I view Celiac as a fire breathing dragon --and I have run my sword right through his throat.
I. Win.
Celiac.com - Celiac Disease Board Moderator
#14
ravenwoodglass
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Posted 03 September 2012 - 03:32 PM
Yea, as I have said to friends there are two places that if I ever went into them I would likely never leave alive, a hospital or a jail.My biggest fear is I will end up in the hospital or a rehab facility (but I have people who will bring me food).... what about the rest of the gluten-free population without resources?
Courage does not always roar, sometimes courage is the quiet voice at the end of the day saying
"I will try again tommorrow" (Mary Anne Radmacher)
celiac 49 years - Misdiagnosed for 45
Blood tested and repeatedly negative
Diagnosed by Allergist with elimination diet and diagnosis confirmed by GI in 2002
Misdiagnoses for 15 years were IBS-D, ataxia, migraines, anxiety, depression, fibromyalgia, parathesias, arthritis, livedo reticularis, hairloss, premature menopause, osteoporosis, kidney damage, diverticulosis, prediabetes and ulcers, dermatitis herpeformis
All bold resoved or went into remission with proper diagnosis of Celiac November 2002
Some residual nerve damage remains as of 2006- this has continued to resolve after eliminating soy in 2007
Mother died of celiac related cancer at 56
Twin brother died as a result of autoimmune liver destruction at age 15
Children 2 with Ulcers, GERD, Depression, , 1 with DH, 1 with severe growth stunting (male adult 5 feet)both finally diagnosed Celiac through blood testing and 1 with endo 6 months after Mom
Positive to Soy and Casien also Aug 2007
Gluten Sensitivity Gene Test Aug 2007
HLA-DQB1 Molecular analysis, Allele 1 0303
HLA-DQB1 Molecular analysis, Allele 2 0303
Serologic equivalent: HLA-DQ 3,3 (Subtype 9,9)
"I will try again tommorrow" (Mary Anne Radmacher)
celiac 49 years - Misdiagnosed for 45
Blood tested and repeatedly negative
Diagnosed by Allergist with elimination diet and diagnosis confirmed by GI in 2002
Misdiagnoses for 15 years were IBS-D, ataxia, migraines, anxiety, depression, fibromyalgia, parathesias, arthritis, livedo reticularis, hairloss, premature menopause, osteoporosis, kidney damage, diverticulosis, prediabetes and ulcers, dermatitis herpeformis
All bold resoved or went into remission with proper diagnosis of Celiac November 2002
Some residual nerve damage remains as of 2006- this has continued to resolve after eliminating soy in 2007
Mother died of celiac related cancer at 56
Twin brother died as a result of autoimmune liver destruction at age 15
Children 2 with Ulcers, GERD, Depression, , 1 with DH, 1 with severe growth stunting (male adult 5 feet)both finally diagnosed Celiac through blood testing and 1 with endo 6 months after Mom
Positive to Soy and Casien also Aug 2007
Gluten Sensitivity Gene Test Aug 2007
HLA-DQB1 Molecular analysis, Allele 1 0303
HLA-DQB1 Molecular analysis, Allele 2 0303
Serologic equivalent: HLA-DQ 3,3 (Subtype 9,9)
#15
IrishHeart
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Warrior Princess
Posted 03 September 2012 - 03:46 PM
Yea, as I have said to friends there are two places that if I ever went into them I would likely never leave alive, a hospital or a jail.
Sweets, as long as you have friends and family, you'll never have to worry. If you ever get arrested, I'd be stunned.
I have thought about a chain with a dog tag welded around my neck saying "DO NOT feed me gluten".
"Life is not the way it's supposed to be. It's the way it is. The way we cope with it makes the difference." Virginia Satir
"It isn't for the moment you are struck that you need courage, but for the long uphill climb back to sanity, faith and security." Anne Morrow Lindbergh
"Kindness in words creates confidence. Kindness in thinking creates profoundness. Kindness in giving creates love."
Lao Tzu
"The strongest of all warriors are these two - time and patience." Leo Tolstoy
Misdiagnosed for 25+ years; finally DXed on 11/01/10. I figured it out myself. Double DQ2 genes. This thing tried to kill me. I view Celiac as a fire breathing dragon --and I have run my sword right through his throat.
I. Win.
Celiac.com - Celiac Disease Board Moderator
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