Can I Continue My Nursing Career With Mobility Issues?

[Nurse Beth, MSN]

You can absolutely still have a fulfilling nursing career with mobility challenges. There are probably more opportunities than you think!

It  requires a shift in focus, but there are several opportunities within the nursing field that don't require extensive physical exertion:

Case Management

This role involves coordinating patient care, developing care plans, and ensuring patients receive necessary services. It's typically desk-based and allows you to use your nursing expertise without needing to perform physical tasks.

Telehealth Nursing

With the rise of telemedicine, telehealth nursing allows you to consult with patients remotely via phone or video. You can work from home, reducing physical strain while still providing care. In my area, I've seen home health visits managed remotely.

Nurse Educator or Trainer

Consider teaching new nurses. You can work in an online environment or at a local nursing school. Many institutions are looking for experienced nurses to help educate the next generation.

Utilization Review

This involves reviewing medical records to ensure that treatments and procedures are medically necessary. This role is often remote and primarily involves paperwork and phone consultations.

Nursing Administration or Leadership

Many nursing positions involve management or administrative duties, which can be done sitting at a desk. Roles like nursing supervisor or director allow you to contribute your expertise in a non-clinical capacity.

Legal Nurse Consultant

With your extensive nursing background, you can consider becoming a legal nurse consultant, where you review medical records and provide expert opinions for law firms. This role doesn't require much physical labor but relies heavily on your nursing knowledge.

Health Coach or Holistic Nursing

As a nurse, you could explore health coaching or holistic nursing, providing advice and support on wellness, nutrition, and overall well-being. Many roles in this area can be done remotely or with minimal physical demands.

Other roles that may work for you include Employee Health Nurse, Infection Prevention Nurse, Discharge Planner, and remote cardiac monitoring or virtual units.

Workplace Accommodation Request

It may be helpful to look into modifying your work environment or requesting accommodations to make your current job easier, such as using assistive devices, adjusting your schedule, or delegating more physically demanding tasks. If you haven't already, you can start by speaking with your HR department to formally request an evaluation and initiate the process.

Disability Denial 

Appeal process. It's also worth noting that many disability claims are initially denied but can be successfully appealed. If you haven't already, you might want to consider an appeal or seek legal help from a disability attorney to assist with the process.

Support

There are many, many nurses with physical limitations. There's a Nurses With Disabilities forum here on allnurses.

Consider joining The National Organization of Nurses with Disabilities.

Another resource is the Job Accommodation Network, not specific to nurses but includes healthcare workers and has a lot of good information.

Good luck to you, I wish you well!

Nurse Beth