nurse back problems

Nurses General Nursing

Published

Yes, Iam new to this site. I've been reading a lot of good info. about nursing. My husband is a student, and wants to become a nurse. I have heard that one of the number one injurys nurses get on the job is a back injury. My husband is 40 year old and has a ok back. But if any one could please. Let me know. That when he starts working as a LVN nurse. Should he work in a hosiptal, care home, visting LVN, privite doctor office. ??? He will be a great nurse he loves to take care of people. But being older in age we want to make the safer choice. So that he can work until 65 year old. Any bodys help in ths matter would be great.

KayRN21, I feel your pain -literally.I too have sever DDD,DJD in various areas, need a three level fusion, cant get it because I have no insurance, because I have no job-more on that in a minute. I applied for Social Security Disability and was denied.This is usual for first time applications.I am now in appeal with the Social Security Department.But as to why I dont have insurance -I was fired in retaliation for reporting illegal /unethical practices by my former employer and fired the next day. I did bring this to court and have lost despite mound of evidence and wittness. My attornies assure me we have a very good chance of reversing the judge's decision in appeal.SO I am now out of a job, no insurance-going to free clinic, need surgery, being supported by my wonderful family,gone through my meager savings,and TWO appeals going at the same time .

I am going to warn nursing students here as I have warned my own daughter who is an RN in the Navy and probably get alot of flack for it , but here goes .THINK HARD before entering this field, it could be a wonderful profession IF nurses had a saftey net from unscrupulous people out there.IF the whole nation could follow suit to the states that have unionized-California, Minnisota,Michigan, New York, we nurses would be able to do our beloved chosen profession with dignity, pride, and secure in the knowledge that they have recourse under the law . There will be those out there who say I am mashing sour grapes, and they are TOTALLY right.Its too late for me, but not for you.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in burn, geriatric, rehab, wound care, ER.
I am going to warn nursing students here as I have warned my own daughter who is an RN in the Navy and probably get alot of flack for it , but here goes .THINK HARD before entering this field, it could be a wonderful profession IF nurses had a saftey net from unscrupulous people out there.IF the whole nation could follow suit to the states that have unionized-California, Minnisota,Michigan, New York, we nurses would be able to do our beloved chosen profession with dignity, pride, and secure in the knowledge that they have recourse under the law . There will be those out there who say I am mashing sour grapes, and they are TOTALLY right.Its too late for me, but not for you.

Well said -STAND UP FOR YOURSELF AND DONT BE A VICTIM. Its not easy but it is worthwhile. My thoughts and best wishes are with you in your struggle.

I just wanted to say that back pain is not exclusive to nursing, but it is all part of being "middle-aged". Yoga has helped me deal with chronic back pain and I would recommend it to anyone. If I had never went to my first class, I'm sure I would be in deep doo-doo by now.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

I do not think it is part of being middle aged. My mom who is 80 had an MRI of her neck and mine is worse than hers. Mine was caused by years of lifting patients in nursing homes and rehab units. I never had men around to lift my patients. I was expected to do it by myself because of short staffing and the total patient care where at times I did not even have a nurse aide to help me. The patients need protecting but who protected me from the patients and the system. I do not like begging for social security disability. I was able to support my family and thank god I was able to work till my kids were grown. Now I have chronic pain that I will live with the rest of my life. I can not believe I was that stupid. I bought into the idea of protect the patient at all cost. Think twice about lifting heavy patients. I am too young to feel this way. My mom who is 80 is more active than I am. 32 years of bedside nursing has done it to me. I received my RN in 1974 and worked continuously since then. I do not believe Yoga is going to fix my neck and spine. I was fired from my job in 2005 after a 3 month leave of absence because I could not lift and I was told by my DON that there were no positions for any RN that could not lift.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
KayRN21, I feel your pain -literally.I too have sever DDD,DJD in various areas, need a three level fusion, cant get it because I have no insurance, because I have no job-more on that in a minute. I applied for Social Security Disability and was denied.This is usual for first time applications.I am now in appeal with the Social Security Department.But as to why I dont have insurance -I was fired in retaliation for reporting illegal /unethical practices by my former employer and fired the next day. I did bring this to court and have lost despite mound of evidence and wittness. My attornies assure me we have a very good chance of reversing the judge's decision in appeal.SO I am now out of a job, no insurance-going to free clinic, need surgery, being supported by my wonderful family,gone through my meager savings,and TWO appeals going at the same time .

I am going to warn nursing students here as I have warned my own daughter who is an RN in the Navy and probably get alot of flack for it , but here goes .THINK HARD before entering this field, it could be a wonderful profession IF nurses had a saftey net from unscrupulous people out there.IF the whole nation could follow suit to the states that have unionized-California, Minnisota,Michigan, New York, we nurses would be able to do our beloved chosen profession with dignity, pride, and secure in the knowledge that they have recourse under the law . There will be those out there who say I am mashing sour grapes, and they are TOTALLY right.Its too late for me, but not for you.

ingelein, I feel your pain. I have your same back dx, plus hypermobility of the spine. Luckily (Thank you Jesus) I'm still able to work. All my injuries and chronic pain are from lifting and leaning over for extended periods. There are many situations in nursing where using correct body mechanics is just impossible. We all know that.

We always here the chorus of "report it report it" when we see employers acting unethically and breaking laws. Well, look at what happens to the brave souls like you who do report it. I support you and and wish you justice.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Thank you, every one for your information, and I will give it great thought to all your replys

PS: The greatest glory! is in not ever falling, but in raising every time we fall

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Hi everyone! - I've had similar back problems w/2 surgeries - once in my 20's, and another in my early 40's (1st after car accident; the 2nd time following worsening after positioning patient). I wonder what all of you would advise ...I'm considering applying for a neonatal ICU training program. I felt that it would be OK due to the lack of lifting, but I did read the RN's post above about freq. bending over the bed. Also, I'm considering an OR training program at a peds hospital as well. Can anyone advise on this? I'm not sure if lifting is done by RN's or techs in OR, and also if surgeries are usu. performed seated or standing at all times. Thanks everyone!

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Utilization Management.

I did a poll on this awhile back. Here's the link:

https://allnurses.com/forums/f118/do-you-have-bad-back-nursing-108249.html?highlight=back+problems

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Utilization Management.

We're also prone to knee problems. Here's another thread about that:

https://allnurses.com/forums/f118/nurses-knee-problems-103684.html?highlight=knee+problems

Up Vote Up Vote ×
+ Add a Comment