Can't do patient care anymore! Help!

Published

I hurt my back at work. Workmans comp and the hospital has been wonderful. I am finally back 4 hrs/day on light duty and going through a "work hardening" program. I had back surgery for a herniated disk L5-S1. I still have a ruptured disk at L4-L5. Because of this my weight limit is 20lbs. Forever. According to my surgeon, my physical therapist, and my occupational therapist I need to get away from pt care and seek a desk job. I am having a REALLY hard time with this. I am in denial and want to go back to pt care. Any suggestions from anyone who has been through this? I have lots of experience in OR, ER, Infusion, Orthopedics, Heart Clinic and general floor nursing. I was the Manager of OR and ER and I did not like being management! Is that where I am heading? Oh Boy. Thanks, Regina

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Pediatric/Adolescent, Med-Surg.

If you hate management, what about nursing education? You could still have pt care contact, but would be teaching others, not as much physical strain on you.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Critical Care, Education.

rf,

So sorry to hear of your struggles - and your antipathy toward a "desk job". However, it may broaden your horizons if you think of looking for a "non lifting" job instead.

Sounds like your employer has been fair with you and working with you to get back to a functional status. Did you inquire about non patient care jobs in related areas like Quality, patient education or Staff Development? I just heard of a neat new type of nursing position called "Nurse Navigator" - who helps patients and their families find their way around the scary world of cancer care. There are a lot of opportunities out there if you want to stay in a hospital setting. The 'civilian world' offers a world of opportunity also.

Unfortunately, a lot of these jobs will not be at the same salary level as a bedside nurse - so prepare for a pay cut :cry:.

Hey, did you explore applying for disability status yet? You really should - even a decision of "20% disability" would provide you with a monthly check to supplement your (probably) reduced income.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in education, Peds ICU, cardiac, LNC, psych.

I have had a back injury at work. I am sorry to hear about your injury. But the most important piece of advice I can give you is in reference to this quote:

I am having a REALLY hard time with this. I am in denial and want to go back to pt care.

Please, please, please listen to your surgeon and physical therapist because I went back to patient care in a pediatric ICU after surgery and I had 2 more surgeries after. I'm currently in litigation with the hospital I worked for and it has not been easy.

I've had a total of 3 spinal fusions. I am fused from L3 to S1 with both my own and a donor's bone graft. I have 2 partial laminectomies at L2 and L4 and a full laminectomy at L3. I had a herniated disc and a degenerative disc and a fracture right below.

It is difficult to have to take a sedentary position, but that is the best thing for your back. All my life I wanted to be a nurse and having to get away from direct patient care broke my heart. And I was in denial about it and probably hurt my self more.

At the end of the day, you got to take care of you. Those hospitals and their administration don't give a damn about you because all they care about is that their is another body on shift, they don't care what happens to you.

I wish you all the best and if you want to talk, e-mail or PM me.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Can you be an OR circulator?

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Thankl you for all your great comments and advice. I really appreciate it. I see my neurosurgeon on wed and we'll see what she says. She has released me for full time/full duty work on Nov 1st, but the occupational therapist and the physical therapist at work hardening are both questioning this. She does listen to them, so I don't know what will happen. I am going to bring up the subject of partial permanent disability since I am no where near where I was before I got hurt. I am very active. 2 summers ago my husband and I hiked 400 miles of the Pacific Crest Trail. Now I can't even do a 20 minute day hike not to mention a 10 hour nursing shift.

Thanks again~Regina

Up Vote Up Vote ×
+ Join the Discussion