Can I be a nurse with a bad back?

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Hello I am new here and wanted to ask a question, I LOVE the medical industry, it's in my blood! My mother was a RN for over 30 years and then was the director of hospice until she passed away due to cancer of the pancreas at 62 years old. I have worked in the medical field before (office work in over 12 departments - somewhat of a floater) and just took a liking to helping people and seeing them walk out with a smile. I have had back pain for a while now and was just told I have spinal stenosis, degenerative bone disease and severe arthritus all in my lower back (L3, L4 and L5) now....I am going for my first epidural this week. With my back in THIS condition right now there is no way I can become a nurse. I cant walk for more than 3 feet without my back KILLING me. I want a job in the medical field and not as a front desk girl or filing clerk, I want to be hands on!! I have been doing Office Management & Accounting for the past 20 years. I am 38 years old. I have several girl friends who just finished nursing school and I am so jealouse!!! I want to be a nurse SO BAD!!! Let's just say I get the shot, I do therapy and do what the doc says....and my back gets better, THEN maybe I can become a nurse. My husband pointed out that I need to take into consideration that I would be lifting people and things like that. Can anyone tell me what other jobs I could consider in the medical field? My hubby tells me to consider a medical transcriptionist or admin work. I keep pouting and telling him I want to be a NURSE! SO if a nurse is never in the picture what else can I consider? Any info would be great!! Thank you all so much!;)

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Specializes in Critical Care, Education.

Listen to your hubby, he obviously loves you and has your best interests in mind. Your physical limitations would impair your ability even to complete nursing school let alone be able to work as a nurse. Clinical nursing is very physical work - and this would be very risky for you in light of your chronic condition.

I am sure that I speak for most of us here on AN - I am gratified that you think so highly of our profession. But your first priority is to take care of yourself.

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Specializes in Nursing Professional Development.

I agree with the previous post. While there are roles in nursing that do not require much physical activity, most of those roles require advanced education and previous experience as a nurse. It's unlikely you would be able to get such a role as a new grad -- assuming you could get through school by claiming some disability accommodations.

Back problems are why a lot of nurses are forced to retire. So it's definitely not a career I would recommend for someone who already has significant back problems.

Considering other careers in health care ...

Perhaps something that would emphasize counseling or patient teaching. There are people who specialize in health education, nutritionists, counselors, social workers, etc. Perhaps one of those fields might work for you, providing you with the direct patient contact you seem to want, but not require you to be on your feet and lifting them.

Good luck to you.

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Specializes in OB, Professional Development, Education.

i'm going to have to agree with the other posts. being a nurse is a physically demanding job no matter what specialty you enter. i have yet to see a nursing job description (providing pt. care) that does not state that you must be able to lift, bend, reach repeatedly and be able to lift a minimum of 50 lb's.

good luck!

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Thank you ALL for posting some GREAT advice! I will do some research and see what else I can consider doing in the health care field. I guess nursing is out for me :( how sad...I am only 38. Wow....Well I am sure I can be of some help. Than you again for the advice girls :)

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