[thicklynn]

Hi everyone. I've been a lurker for a while now and have finally decided to speak up!! I've been a nurse for 20+ years now...last 5 in the OR which I love. My problem is this: For the past two years I've been suffering from RA and had to have hip surgery this past Jul (not a hip replacement, thank God, but my ortho surgeon said that I'm looking at one down the road). Even though I'm under the care of a rheumatologist and we're working to stabilize my condition, I'm concerned with how long I'll be able to continue to work. If I can't handle the more physical aspects of nursing, especially in the OR, what area of nursing is out there for someone with my condition? Any and all advice would be very much welcomed

[LaurynRN]

I am sorry I don't have any brilliant ideas for you but I just wanted to say good luck. If it were me I would just live in the moment, enjoy the OR now and worry about changing when you have to.
I know many people with back problems have been employed with Blue Cross/Blue Shield.

[subee]

Originally Posted by thicklynn

Hi everyone. I've been a lurker for a while now and have finally decided to speak up!! I've been a nurse for 20+ years now...last 5 in the OR which I love. My problem is this: For the past two years I've been suffering from RA and had to have hip surgery this past Jul (not a hip replacement, thank God, but my ortho surgeon said that I'm looking at one down the road). Even though I'm under the care of a rheumatologist and we're working to stabilize my condition, I'm concerned with how long I'll be able to continue to work. If I can't handle the more physical aspects of nursing, especially in the OR, what area of nursing is out there for someone with my condition? Any and all advice would be very much welcomed

Insurance company. Clinic.

[pyrolady]

Might want to try getting into medical billing or medical transcription. It's something you can do from home and don't have physical limitations - can even do the transcription from your laptop at any location. I know I've heard of people making in the $60,000 per year range with this....good luck!

[Wren]

I agree with subee....check out an insurance company job. Mon-Fri, 8-5, no weekends, sitting on your tush all day! There is a world of nursing out there that doesn't require patient care. Research nursing, telephonic or advice nurse type jobs. If you really want to continue the patient contant consider a clinic. You'd still be on your feet some but not as much as in the OR. I am sure that a dialysis clinic would love to have an RN with your experience! Good luck!