Advice needed

[Loxam10]

Hello everyone. I have always gotten good advice on here so figured I would go for it again.

As you all know working in the OR can be physically demanding. I recently had a DRUJ (wrist) joint replacement. The implants are titanium but I've been told I will have a 20 lb lifting restriction for the rest of my life. Technically per my job description I need to be able to lift 50 lbs. my surgeon was nice enough to write my return to work note that my restriction was 50 lbs but told me under no circumstance am I to lift that much. I work in a pediatric OR but I have seen my fair share of adult size kiddos. Adding to the predicament, I work nights and I am the only circulator after 9pm.

I am nervous about returning to work knowing that eventually I will be in a situation that will require me to lift more than I should. So do I need to start looking for something else or do I just stick with it. I work with a good group at night and can usually find someone to help with lifting. Prepping for big ortho leg cases can be tricky but I make it work. I love the OR but I am only 28 and further damage to my wrist could have career ending consequences.

Any advice would be nice.❤️

[LoriannL]

I understand tour desire to be in the OR and I know you mentioned pediatrics BUT I personally would not risk my wrist. Carrying cases of instruments and the components needed for orthopedics can definatlynexceed 50 lbs and also some of the patients may also exceed 50 lbs, so I would think long and hard about this one. I hope this helps

[Rose_Queen, BSN, MSN, RN]

The fact that your surgeon wrote your restrictions to be what the facility requires rather than what is best for you is a huge red flag. The facility isn't held to what the actual restriction is- they're held to the written documentation. You won't have a leg to stand on if you do reinjure yourself but were below the 50lbs.