Ohhhh, My Aching (Blank)

When I was in the Army, we used to call "Aspirin" by the acronym "APC" meaning "All Purpose Capsule".

Belly pain? Here's an APC
Head ache? Here's an APC
Tooth ache? Here's an APC
Back pain? Here's an APC

... you get the picture

Any advice for us young pups just starting in nursing?

While this aging business is difficult, I keep telling myself it's better than the alternative: a cold, sometimes damp place.

I did bench press 205 today twice so was pretty happy with myself. I want to get up to a past bm of 225lbs.

Gave up running years ago, because of my knees.

I like the philosophy of calorie restriction diets, especially as our metabolism slows.

The pain is the whole reason I'm back in school. I need a hip replacement (old injury, pre nursing) but I'm too young to get it. I can't pound those ICU floors and move the 300 lb patient on spinal precautions anymore...well, I *can*, but I sure pay for it, and there are too many years left in my career to spend it in pain.

You'll probably all think I'm crazy but I will be graduating NS at the age of 51. Needless to say these posts concern me a bit! I'm still looking forward to the journey.

It really depends on how good a shape you are in prior to nursing . . and how careful you are when you start working.

Glad you are looking forward to the journey and welcome!


steph

I don't think you are crazy ... but I am happy to see that you are thinking about these issues. Some people enter nursing as "mature" women and then seem surprised to discover that it can be a physically demanding job, particularly the entry-level hospital staff nurse jobs.

Finding a job that might work best for your physical needs as you age might involve getting the right kind of experience during and immediately after school and returning quickly to school to get a more advanced education. With the aging nursing workforce, there will probably be a lot of competition for those less physically demanding jobs -- and you'll want to give yourself the best chance possible of taking advantage of any and all opportunities.

My right knee hurts sometimes, and I am only 29!!!! Loved it Viva, good writing.