Back and foot pain- can I be a nurse?

Nurses Nurse Beth

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Specializes in Tele, ICU, Staff Development.

I used to work in finance. Recently I decided on a career change to the medical field.

I did a HHA, CNA, Phlebotomy and EKG programs. I currently work as a CNA in a nursing home. I would love to become a Pharmacist or a Nurse.

I enjoy helping people but working as a CNA in the nursing home has been so hard for me. It saps out all my energy. I have hurt my back and have feet pain since I started working a few months ago. This has made me to lose faith in myself and has got me wondering if I can cope in the medical field. I am so confused on what to do next.

I am trying to decide on whether to go do a Pharmacy tech program, an LPN programme or an ADN program.

I will be glad if I can get some advice and direction.

Thank you

Dear Wondering,

CNA work is very physical and takes strength and stamina.

First of all, for now, invest in a good pair of shoes. There are tennis shoes that provide good support, and you can find them on sale. Pick a style that fits your foot. For example, New Balance tennis shoes are good for people with wide feet. Take note of what shoes your colleagues are wearing. Make sure you are practicing good body mechanics and get help when lifting/turning larger patients.

Drink plenty of water and exercise regularly. Eat high glycemic foods to avoid blood sugar fluctuations and maintain your energy.

Pharmacy techs are on their feet all day, but don't have to mobilize patients or lift patients. Nursing (both LPN and RN) is a highly physical job. Once you become established as an RN and put in a few years at the bedside, you can move to a non-clinical position, but only you know if you can hang in there that long.

Consider Xray technician or ultrasound tech. Between patients, or sometimes while performing an ultrasound, such as a cardiac ultrasound, you will be sitting. In this way, you can periodically offload some of the stress on your back and your feet.

Don't lose faith! Every one's body is different. It's a matter of finding the right fit for you.

Best wishes,

Nurse Beth

Author, "Your Last Nursing Class: How to Land Your First Nursing Job"...and your next!

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5 hours ago, Nurse Beth said:

Eat high glycemic foods to avoid blood sugar fluctuations and maintain your energy. 

Quick correction, not to detract from the overall advice: Low glycemic. ???

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Specializes in retired LTC.

Just to repeat Nurse Beth - Nsg is HARD physical work. Yes, there are a few folk out there that found the easier jobs, but that was their good karma.

It wasn't mentioned but dental opportunities exist also. There is standing but NOT like that in nsg.

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