career in crisis before it began

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:o Hello people, first a little background. I am an nursing student 1st year, 26 year old male. This year after suffering lumbar pain I went to get an xray and behold, they found a scoliosis measuring 40 lumbar/40 thoracic. I stared up at those xrays in disbelief. What went wrong :( I got in quick with an ortho specialising in adult scol and they are considering an anterior lumbar fusion of 3-4 levels. Also earlier this year I was hit in the left eye with a projectile damaging my cornea and am facing an deep anterior lamelar keratoplasty, corneal graft :( This has been a very distressing year for me, but my passion for nursing has not suffered. Ever since I was a little boy I would walk to the local hospital, investigating the wards and observing the mayhem, wishing I could be a part of it. Now I feel like I may not have what it takes to be a nurse. Any advice would be greatly appreciated. Maybe some areas where one does not need to twist their spine lots and lift heavy objects. Do you guys think I can make it?

ex animo

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Specializes in ED, ICU, PSYCH, PP, CEN.

I know several nurses with physical disabilities and they are making it work. If you won't be tied up with surgeries etc on yourself then why not start school and see how it goes.

At the tender age of 26 you have nothing to lose but a little money and time (time spent in class and studying). Hopefully you are able to afford the money for school. An associates degree only costs about 4000 at even the most expensive schools and there are a lot of scholarships and grants out there too.

If you continue school and succeed you will be in great shape. And if you don't succeed at least you won't be beating yourself up for never trying.

I didn't even go to nursing school until I was 45.

I have some physical problems too, but am still on my feet. I would rather wear out than rust out.

Good luck and best wishes to you. Feel free to PM if you need more encouragement or have other questions

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Specializes in Day Surgery, Agency, Cath Lab, LTC/Psych.

There are many nursing jobs that are not hard on the back. The problem is that many specialty nursing positions require med/surg experience. You will want to speak with future potential employers to see what their lifting requirements are.

Here are some specialties to avoid: rehab, LTC, ICU, ER, med/surg, OR.

Potential options for you: NICU, pre-op, home health, employee health, infection control, case management, IV therapy, clinic nursing.

Sorry you have had such a rough year. Hope things will start to improve very soon!

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My best advice would be to focus on the more immediate goals you set up for yourself let's say every 3 months and when you accomplish those you feel good, don't get caught up in the mindset that you will never be a nurse. You physical problems right now may stand in the way but they are not a obstacle you cannot overcome with focus, persistance, and passion. Many of us have obstacles daily that can weaken our spirits and bodies in some way or another. I know you are probably thinking "Yeah that is easy when you are not in my shoes" but believe me I understand. I know about wanting something sooooo badly and trying so hard to reach the goal only to see it so close but not yet attainable, due to circumstances beyond your immediate control. Just take a small step every single chance you get to accomplish it. That is what I have done. I don't know of anyone except for myself that has taken 5 years to became an LVN except yours truly, and age is NOT on my side I am 45....the details of why are too long but lets just say after my graduation it was one calamity after another and finally getting to test NCLEX in November. In short do not even give the negative thoughts anymore room to grow. You will be a nurse there are a few I have also met with physical demands that have accomplished the goal. Sorry for the long post but I got inspired. :nurse:

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"....26 year old male"

VS

Join Date: Oct 2008

Age: 27

Posts: 1

And I thought it was just women who lied about their age! :yeah:

:wink2: :chuckle :clown: :icon_roll

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Specializes in Day Surgery, Agency, Cath Lab, LTC/Psych.
"....26 year old male"

VS

Join Date: Oct 2008

Age: 27

Posts: 1

And I thought it was just women who lied about their age! :yeah:

:wink2: :chuckle :clown: :icon_roll

I swear I only weigh 120#.

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There are many options open to you once you get your physical problems taken care of and finish school. I would suggest you do attempt to go for the BSN since this will offer you more options in your nursing career. I know school nursing would be an area you could look into if you have a BSN. County health department, insurance, Government programs such a WIC need nurses for teaching, state surveyor for nursing homes, just all sorts of options. Good luck. Even office nursing for a dermatologist or oncologiest would be an option.

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Thankyou guys, I feel more confident now :) That spinal fusion scares me a bit, like a 5 hour op and titanium rods in your spine :(

Well stuff it, I am gonna let em cut me, fix me and get the hell on with my life.

Be well all :D

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