Bad Back

doublehelix · Aug 12, 2010

Hi!

I work as a HCA, and start nursing school in two weeks as well! I hope you do realize that any position in healthcare, even a nurse, requires some lifting, and depending on where you work can be heavier than normal. i.e. palliative care units or some geriatric.

When I first started my position as a HCA in a geratric/surgical hospital, my back was so sore at the end of my shifts I was sometimes unable to sleep. I am 5'4" and weigh 110 pounds. The best recommendation I can give you is o get a good exercise routine, to build up your back and the rest of your body. I go running twice a day and do moderate weight lifting and 30 minutes of yoga a day. You really do need an exercise routine while going to nursing school (help burn off a lot of that stress and stay in shape) as well as to be able to life safetly. Not sure what other programs you've taken, but regardless, you will learn how to lift and turn patients properly in the nursing school. Always make sure to follow the rules of body mechanics.. and you should be fine!

Shoes (and socks, I noticed a HUGE difference in the soreness of my feet at the end of the night if I wore thick sports socks) are very important. There's a thread about good nursing shos on here, I personally use sketchers. When buying shoes, arch support is very important, and you want to make sure you feel comfortable enough in these shoes that you can stay in them for at least eight hours.

Hope that helped some!

allnurses Guide · Aug 13, 2010

Everything stated above is true. Nursing is very very very hard on one's back. You may wish to ask your doctor if this is a good idea for you. You also may wish to see if there are any back braces you can invest in to protect yourself. A strong back, strong abs and a strong core aren't negotiable in this profession. Nurses make up a large majority of on the job back injuries.

doublehelix · Aug 13, 2010

Everything stated above is true. Nursing is very very very hard on one's back. You may wish to ask your doctor if this is a good idea for you. You also may wish to see if there are any back braces you can invest in to protect yourself. A strong back, strong abs and a strong core aren't negotiable in this profession. Nurses make up a large majority of on the job back injuries.

Precisely... I'm not sure how it works in the states, but in Canada, when you fill out a hospital application they do ask if you have had any previous injuries, illnesses or other things that may affect your ability to work. They can't not hire you because of a disability... But you obviously need a good back to work in nursing, and they may not want to hire you if they fear you may have to go on compensation anyway. Nursing isn't all about paperwork as many think...I'm not trying to discourage you, but you're really going to need to build up your back to work in this profession.

ohcomeon · Aug 13, 2010

Awww, don't let these folks scare you! There are many threads on AN about this topic. I encourage you to read some of them. That being said, I do have scoliosis which I would describe as moderate (42 degree top curve and 28 degree at the bottom). And although I am not yet a nurse (in my third semester), it really hasn't limited me in life at all. I do work in a retail job that requires a lot of lifting and being on my feet 8-9 hours at a time. I also had children without any back problems, including a set of twins. So honestly, I am aware that nursing is not good on anyone's back, but I am not worrried. Good luck to you!

kenpochic · Aug 13, 2010

Instead of everyone being negative why didnt anyone ask if I have worked out my core. Yes, I have. I used to spend 2-3 hours a day at the gym. I am very strong, in fact recently i have decided to lay off the weights bc my arms were looking a little too big for a woman. I am also a 8 year martial artist. so my physical condition is very good. I posted this for some advice not to tried to be told not to be a nurse. So I'm nervous and wanted advice and reassurance if thats what you guys call what you did thanks for the attempt but epic fail. Also, obviously i asked my doctor do you remember the paperwork for your physical it asks if the drs opinion if you are fit enough to be in nursing school

kenpochic · Aug 13, 2010

thank you ohcomeon, you are the only one I honestly wanted to hear from being that we have the scolosis in common.

doublehelix · Aug 13, 2010

Instead of everyone being negative why didnt anyone ask if I have worked out my core. Yes, I have. I used to spend 2-3 hours a day at the gym. I am very strong, in fact recently i have decided to lay off the weights bc my arms were looking a little too big for a woman. I am also a 8 year martial artist. so my physical condition is very good. I posted this for some advice not to tried to be told not to be a nurse. So I'm nervous and wanted advice and reassurance if thats what you guys call what you did thanks for the attempt but epic fail. Also, obviously i asked my doctor do you remember the paperwork for your physical it asks if the drs opinion if you are fit enough to be in nursing school

It was not my intention to be negative, I did give you many suggestions including working on your core muscles... You did not mention anything about it in your original post, so we can only comment on what you originally wrote. I never suggested for you not to be a nurse, I just wanted you to realize that is a very physically demanding job and can be even harder on your back if you already have an existing problem. I don't have a bad back, and I already experience back pain.

When you ask questions on the internet, you are going to get a response. I am sorry if that is not what you were wanting to hear. It is not as if we are attacking you, or are trying to deter you from going into nursing. I did offer you many valuable suggestions, if you read the entire post, rather than my comment that "nursing is bad on your back."