by flutterbye67

hi

I am currently doing my pre-reqs for the nursing program at my local college.
my problem is that I have problems w pulling my back out. yesterday, simple vacuuming
had me on ice. Two weeks ago, it was scrubbing the bathtub.

I have always heard that nursing was hard on the back, but what about those of us that have problems to begin with. What kind of a nurse will I be if I can't do some of the physical stuff required for care.?

I suppose I should start now trying to strengthen my core....since this is alot of my problem!

My mother in law even told me not to do the CNA program because of what it requires.
So...how the heck can I nurse???

anyone??? thanks!

Re: how can I be a nurse w/ a bad back???

Well, if you know that exercise would cure your ills get at it! Otherwise, look for something else. The sit-down nursing gigs don't happen at the beginning of your career.

Re: how can I be a nurse w/ a bad back???

Get a thorough check-up with your primary care provider to see if you are healthy enough to do clinicals and to rule out any serious back conditions. Your back problems may be due to something other than weak muscles.

If it turns out that your pain is associated with weak muscles, perhaps your PCP could prescribe physical therapy (including exercises) to strengthen your back and core muscles and prevent future injuries. I think you would be wise to work with a PT rather than doing it on your own to help avoid fatigue and injury during exercise. Personally, I would work with the PT over, say, a personal trainer because the PT will be covered by insurance if you have it and one doesn't always know how well-trained or experienced personal trainers are. Some are great and some aren't.

Additionally, there are facilities that have "no lift" policies in order to prevent staff injury. Working in such a place will not mean that your back is always pain-free but it might help decrease the possibility of you getting injured.

I thought my nursing career was done when I had a cervical laminectomy about eight years ago. At the time, I was not working and did not really expect to get back into nursing but once that door seemed closed, felt very discouraged. I eventually did get back into nursing and started up a parish nurse program. Since then, I went back to school, did a little teaching, got married and moved, worked LTC and am now finishing up my education so I can return to teaching. I have to admit that working LTC was not easy on my back or neck but, after seeing my PCP, I was diagnosed with fibromyalgia, which makes floor nursing a real challenge. I am heading back to school so I can return to teaching nursing, which is my passion.

Re: how can I be a nurse w/ a bad back???

There is no way around reaching and leaning and stretching as a nurse, even if it's a "no lift" facility. You have to have good physical conditioning or you will suffer; and I mean suffer. If you are in need of losing weight (that is the major reason why I have chronic back pain,) get the weight issue under control and do the strengthening exercises you talked about. The better condition you are in physically, the better you will be able to perform the everyday tasks that all nurses must do. Find out what is the real problem with your back pain, and then adjust your future goals accordingly.

Best of luck to you.