Advice on other RN specialties/careers due to health problems

Published

Hello, I am new to this site but I have been following other people's post for quite some time. I figured the best place to go for advice from people who have been through similar situations would be the best place to get advice. I have been working for 2.5 years as an RN on a very busy med/surg unit.

During the last 1.5 years, I have been struggling with increasingly bad foot problems that are now to the point of surgery and debilitating pain (especially during work). I started out with plantar fasciitis, which I know many people have had...but over 1.5 years this has gotten only worse, now leaving me with heel spurs, nerve entrapment, and tears in a variety of tendons throughout my ankle.

To make the story short, I have done everything there is to do regarding treatment other than surgery so I think that may be my only way out of this. But even then, my doctor and I both worry about future problems down the road due to the nature of my job and how much I am on my feet. Basically, I may be looking at needing to find an RN job that is not as physically demanding. In fact, if I could find one that I was not on my feet much to work that would be ideal. Any suggestions?

I have looked into being a legal nurse consultant, but I don't know what the job opportunities are like out there for that. My only experience is in Med/Surg at this point, but I'm hoping there may be options out there. Anyone who has suggestions please let me know! Thanks!

Up Vote Up Vote ×

I'm just a new grad, but the first thing that pops into my mind is "Informatics Nurse". It's actually a long term career goal of mine. If your good with computers/technology/etc. and don't mind some more school, it may be an idea! :specs:

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in LTC, OB/GYN, Special needs.

School nurse- Summers off too!

Up Vote Up Vote ×

You might look into Utilization & Review, scheduling, insurance companies, or telephone triage. Hope you recover, that sounds so painful !

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Hello, I am new to this site but I have been following other people's post for quite some time. I figured the best place to go for advice from people who have been through similar situations would be the best place to get advice. I have been working for 2.5 years as an RN on a very busy med/surg unit.

During the last 1.5 years, I have been struggling with increasingly bad foot problems that are now to the point of surgery and debilitating pain (especially during work). I started out with plantar fasciitis, which I know many people have had...but over 1.5 years this has gotten only worse, now leaving me with heel spurs, nerve entrapment, and tears in a variety of tendons throughout my ankle.

To make the story short, I have done everything there is to do regarding treatment other than surgery so I think that may be my only way out of this. But even then, my doctor and I both worry about future problems down the road due to the nature of my job and how much I am on my feet. Basically, I may be looking at needing to find an RN job that is not as physically demanding. In fact, if I could find one that I was not on my feet much to work that would be ideal. Any suggestions?

I have looked into being a legal nurse consultant, but I don't know what the job opportunities are like out there for that. My only experience is in Med/Surg at this point, but I'm hoping there may be options out there. Anyone who has suggestions please let me know! Thanks!

You can be a MDS nurse or RCM, I have done both and you spend most of your time doing office work and sometimes sitting for me becomes a problem but it will keep you off your feet. You can take the AANAC class for the MDS and become certified in 3 days. Being a RCM is good because you still have interactions with the patients, families and attend meetings as well as do MDS'S. I work in LTC which also would be less stressful for you than in a hospital. Good luck!

Up Vote Up Vote ×

i was a school nurse in mass. alot of walking-to the play ground for falls-if little ones- up and down stairs. if multiple schools-in and our of car...think about that one. and in mass.-u must have a bsn and take mass dept of ed school nurse certification exams.

i was in a mva and a few discs herniated now and developed fibromyalgia:( worked in one private school for 5 years and messed up my s.s. and i am out in the river without a paddle and going into a work at home job. some vna's have b.p. clinics where u go to one site and are there for a few hours-u may look into that. best of luck.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in LTC, assisted living, med-surg, psych.

I'm in poor physical condition as well, and I work as the director of health services in a large assisted living facility. It's 8-5 Mondays through Fridays, mostly administrative, and I have trouble getting enough activity since much of my day is spent at a computer. But it's perfect for a fat, aging, arthritic RN like me, and your med/surg experience would be valuable because you need excellent assessment skills in this job.:)

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in M/S, OB, Pedi, HH, util review.
I'm just a new grad, but the first thing that pops into my mind is "Informatics Nurse". It's actually a long term career goal of mine. If your good with computers/technology/etc. and don't mind some more school, it may be an idea! :specs:

I, too, have multiple physical problems, esp. with my feet. What exactly is an "informatics nurse", please? I really want to teach nursing, but must go to school for that. In the meantime, I need a mostly "sit down" job. Also, what is an RCM nurse, which someone mentioned? My background in Med/Surg and MCN. Thanks to all.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in OB/GYN/Neonatal/Office/Geriatric.
I'm in poor physical condition as well, and I work as the director of health services in a large assisted living facility. It's 8-5 Mondays through Fridays, mostly administrative, and I have trouble getting enough activity since much of my day is spent at a computer. But it's perfect for a fat, aging, arthritic RN like me, and your med/surg experience would be valuable because you need excellent assessment skills in this job.:)

Wow. I work in an ALF and I don't ever get to sit down, I am constantly doing something, interacting with residents and staff, walking the halls, going from fax to phone to copier to office and round and round. I may have to quit my job as it is TOO much for me! Wish I could find something more administrative. I am the "Residential Services Coordinator". LoL.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Case managment for Private Duty nursing is mostly office work with a some visits to homes, you'll be sitting most of the time there to interview people. Med-surg with some managment experiance (charge nurse would be enough) is mostly what they look for.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
+ Join the Discussion