Back Pain in Nursing Student

[meganec17]

Hi all, I am aware that nursing can take quite a toll on a person's back, and that it the reason I decided to reach out to you guys. I am nineteen, and I was recently diagnosed with spondylolisthesis. I currently have moderate pain, made worse by prolonged periods of standing and walking, laying on my stomach or back (especially when I invert my feet) and sometimes even when I sit for long periods of time, like school, in a stiff chair. Leg pain is also present occasionally, but not nearly as bad as the back pain.

I am so scared that this may inhibit my ability to be a nurse, but nursing is the only thing that I have ever wanted to do with my life. I worry that if get pain after shopping for a few hours, there is no chance that I will be able to be on my feet for an 8,10,or 12 hour shift.

I'd love to hear experiences, or words of encouragements. Thanks so much for taking the time to read this.

Megan

[hppygr8ful, ASN, RN, EMT-I]

Also, remember that in many nursing positions the requirement to be able to lift (and catch a falling patient if necessary) is a bona fide job requirement. They can't ask you about physical limitations during interviews, but it is perfectly legal (and appropriate for everyone) to make an offer of employment conditional on passing a physical exam or functional capacity eval.

This is true - The job I just got hired at set me to a clinic for a functional abilities test which included push, pull, bend, lift and carry 20 pounds. Ability to support 110 pounds unassited etc.....

I have fibromyalgia and can assert it's no fun working in pain - but much can be done through diet and exercis(yoga, stretching, and building core strength) that can help. I would have your doc refer you to a nutritionist and physical therapist.

Peace

Hppy