by RNinWI

This is my first post here - I am really hoping someone can give me some advice.

I am 27 and have been a nurse for 4 years. I hurt my back lifting a patient almost three years ago and have since been diagnosed with lumbar DDD with annular tears at L4-5 and L5-S1. I tried a ton of treatments and eventually ended up having an IDET procedure done...by one of the doctors I was working with (worked at a pain clinic at that point). The surgery was unsuccessful and I was laid off after the three months of FMLA since they felt I was a liability to the company. 6 months after the back surgery I had a Functional Capacity Evaluation done to determine what level of functioning I could return to. They gave me restrictions which are most likely permanent. Because of these restrictions (primarily against lifting over 50 lbs, bending, pushing, pulling) it seems that no one wants to hire me due to safety concerns.

I am also currently on chronic opioid therapy for pain management in addition to Gabapentin, relafen and cymbalta. I have been on it for almost 2 years and have no cognitive impairment. I have been applying and interviewing since last September and only had one job offer (which was withdrawn after I went to the pre-employment physical).

I don't know what to do anymore. I am considering going back to school to get my masters degree but I am wondering if I will encounter the same discrimination there as well (due to being unable to lift or bend in the event of an emergency as well as due to the medications). I am working with DVR services and they are recommending that I avoid any career paths that would involve direct patient contact due to safety issues (which would eliminate nurse practitioner, clinical nurse specialist as well as many others). Has anyone else been in this situation? What would you advise?

Re: Unable to find job due to restrictions - Advice please

I am truly sorry to hear about your situation. It has to be really tough to deal with not only the physical/mental aspects of your limits, but to be turned away at every potential job as well? I can't imagine how hard it's been. Have you looked into being a phone nurse? I don't know where you live, but we have a few MD's here that only employ RN's as their after-hours/weekend triage nurses who work at CPU's and have no direct pt contact. I think the VA has the same thing, as I was looking at them for a job at one point, but they wanted RN's only as well. With a Masters, you may be able to get into a management position that doesn't include direct pt care. I would talk to an advisor at your local college/university and explain your situation at see what they have to say. I truly hope you find something that you can do that you'll find fulfilling. The best of luck to you.

Re: Unable to find job due to restrictions - Advice please

I agree about the telephone nursing triage. You can also try chart reviewing. There are also nurse related educational certificates such as clinical legal nurse.
If you get a Master's, are there any areas offered within a master's studies that interest you that don't involve hands on? Infection control, education, pain management, and the like. I also have a bad back and have been looking for areas in nursing which avoid patient contact and will allow your previous education to help you along.
There is epidemiology or Masters in Public health, or _____ick____health care admin, and if yo have an aptitude for computers, nursing informatics.

As you can see, I've been looking and looking. I don't want to become "disabled", but if that's what it comes down to, I may go on disability long enough to go to school and become another kind of nurse.

I'd suggest nursing research, but that depends on what particular role and level the job is.

Good luck to you.