Not sure what to do

[RN-NY]

Hi everyone! I'm relatively new to this so please bear with me.

I am feeling down and can't find anyone from my support system who truly understands what I'm going through... but after browsing around the bb I feel some of you may. So here it goes... I got licensed last year immediately afterwards moved to another state to be with my husband, got licensed there and started work at a community health center. Unfortunately, I had to leave that place and then an agency hired me. Two weeks before I was to start orientation at a LTC facility (as I have enjoyed working with the geriatric population and wanted to continue and maybe try rehab down the road) I had a complicated surgery that has restricted my physical ability to not being able to lift anything too heavy. This is where my problem lies, none of my family members, friends, or even classmates know about this as they are all in another state and I don't feel it's fair to burden them with all the details of what has happened. Especially as I don't want my parents to know since they both have heart probs and this stress will add to their already stressed out systems. They wanted my husband and I to stay close as all of their children are all over the world if not states!

Now my problem is that what type of nursing will I be able to pursue through my agency when I don't have much experience, nor the physical capability of doing patient care (heavy lifting is the only limitation).

I'd be very appreciative of any help or suggestions. I already feel a bit better just getting it off my chest. So, thanks in advance!:)

[bagladyrn, RN]

If heavy lifting and lack of experience are your only limitations, you might want to consider a position in newborn nursery. The lack of experience should not be a drawback if you look for low-risk nursery(not NICU). I'm sure others will have more suggestions - Good luck!

[Brownms46]

Hi RN-NY:)

I so sorry to hear about your recent need for surgery, and the limitations it has left you with..!! Are you sure this is something that will be long term, or is this something that you maybe able to strenghten your back, and return to LTC??

If it is perm...(and seriously hoping you will respond that is not), then I would consider maybe a doctors office, or going on staff somewhere for a while...even if only pt, to gain experience in somewhere like the nursery. Unfortuantely there are many nurses who's have had to limit their careers to others areas, because of back problems... But the thing is ...depending on where you are....with most agencies...hospitals aren't going to make the investment to train you in a specialty area. And it would be difficult to find many assignment where you could just work in only one area of nursing, and still find enough work. Unless it is of course in LTC, where there is always a need.

Another idea, would be to work as an MDS nurse, coordinator, or any other position in LTC, where there may not be a requirement that you be able to lift a certain amount of weight.

Anytime you want to talk...just let us know...some of us...are usually on most of the time....like me...:chuckle The addition grows...:chuckle

Take care

[Talino]

I guess any field in the nursing profession in a clinical setting will in one way or another require some type of lifting... even Nursery. Nursing skills are not totally confined on patient care. You can be a transporter, secretary, custodian, maintenance person, etc. No matter how light the tasks are in a clinical area you are in, a "code" will always demand an "immediate response" and physical exertion can be inevitable.

Although extensive know-how may be required, an MDS Coordinator in an LTCF setting may be suitable in your case. If you're in New York, a PRI Assessor would also blend in. Both positions only require patient assessment skills, no hands-on bedside nursing stuff. You will need to undergo training (another expense).

Another is a Visiting Nurse through an extended care LTCF. You'll be following up nursing care provided by home caregivers and the patient's health needs.

Good luck!

[sunnygirl272]

also could consider looking for work doing medical review for an insurance company...

[TaraER-RN]

I'm sorry to hear about the surgery and the restrictions that it has put on you, especially since it is making it hard for oyu to pursue the career you obviously want. If you do like kids, then I agree with everyone else and you could try doing NICU (get into a training program) or well baby nursery etc. You could maybe even get into a Labor and Delivery program. Since you seem to like the geriatrics area, the restrictions can make it hard as they are at increased risk for falls etc and you never know what you may have to do, and the first instinct is to help someone if you see them about to fall. I wish you a lot of luck...just remember there is a nursing shortage so you'll probably be able to find something that will work.....GOOD LUCK!!!!

[RN-NY]

Dear Bagladyrn, Brownms46,Talino, Sunnygirl272 and TaraER-RN,

I want to thank each and everyone of you for your thoughtful suggestions. I am quite grateful for the insights you all shared, but am sorry for not being able to reply sooner.

Since I last posted, I had some follow up with MD and also with some interviews (more informational on my part and using the info I gleaned from BB!). So, I had been a bit tied up! The good news is that although I'm improving, my limitations are not permanent! (it sure was a relief!!! And I thank all of you for your concern as well!). The doc said that probably a year or so and I'll be as good as can be. So, I'm keeping my thoughts as positive as I can!

The second good news is that I've started work per diem at a Wound Healing center and they've been quite supportive and helpful. And I'm looking into other areas you all mentioned.

Regardless though, I know that hearing from all of you when I was feeling quite useless was the best thing that could've happened to me!

I promise to keep ypu posted. Well take care!

I wish you all a very happy and safe 4th!

[eltrip]

Good for you!

[live4today, RN]

RN-NY...so glad to hear you are going to get better with time. Best of everything to you in your new job, and I wish you a Happy 4th weekend too. :balloons: :)

[RN-NY]

Thanks! I must say that of all the sites this is most helpful and supportive! Hats off to all involved in BB!

By the way how do you get the emoticons? Thanks!

[live4today, RN]

Send one of the Moderators a "PM" or email to ask them about the emoticons, and they will respond to your question. You may not have enough post to use them yet, I don't know. It's been so long since I've been aboard here that I don't even remember when I started seeing emoticons for me to use. :chuckle

[Ben Thair RN]

By the by...labor and delivery is not a good place for someone who is having any problems with back pain or flexibility. Do you have any idea how heavy a pregnant woman's flaccid leg is? LOL