Considering career move to nursing

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Hi Guys,

Please refer to my post under the intro page for details. In short, I am an old firefighter/EMT that is getting close to retirement thinking of the future. Our pension does not provide medical and it is not a whole lot of income (no lazy days of loafing andgolf for me!). So I am off to a new career of some type and have seriously considered getting my RN.

I was a Hospital Corpsman for 6 years and graduated from Nuclear Medicine Tech school, working about 3 years in the field. I became bored with it and ended up in emergency medicine.

I have spent over 25 years in the fire service, worked for about 5 years in the Training Division and administered our EMS program as well. I have an Associates in Fire Command and Administration but no other actual degrees (over 200 hours from Nuclear Medicine and Hospital Administration, but never finished the degree program).

I have met a few male RNs in my time and one of our Paramedics is an RN with a temp business on the side. He really encouraged me to look into getting a 2 year RN and doing temp work. It sounds like it could be a great way to go as my wife and I enjoy traveling. I am also considering missionary medicine as an option, as we are Christians and want to help those in need.

My concern is that I have some physical issues (including RA and blown discs) that preclude me from heavy lifting. I am trying to see what kind of nursing specialties would be compatible for my personality and abilities.

Any advice will be greatly appreciated!

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Fireguy,

Not every area of nursing requires "heavy" lifting, but depending on the severity of your 'physical issues' they could become a problem since nursing assessments and many aspects of basic patient care involve bending, turning, lifting, etc.

Also, you mentioned that you're considering becoming a traveller after completion of RN school. I doubt that you'll be able to do this immediately after graduating from the RN program. Most, if not all, agencies require that you have at least 1 year of professional nursing experience before they will hire you as a travel nurse. This makes sense because travellers do not receive extended preceptorships when they are sent on an assignment so they have to know enough to 'hit the ground running' whereever they are assigned.

Maybe the mod could move your post to the general discussion board where you'd get more practical advice from experts in all the various areas of nursing about what you could possibly specialize in.

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Specializes in ICU.

Are you on any work restrictions now? I was an EMT for for 7 years before injuring my back (3 herniated disc). I was advised by my MD to get out of EMS and put on a 50lb weight restriction for my safety really. He figured if I didnt lift any more than 50lbs I wouldnt rupture one and he wouldnt have to do surgery.

I started an ADN program last Aug with my restriction and have not had any real problems yet. If it becomes a problem come job hunting time I will just have him remove it. Lifting in the hospital is nothing compared to working the street so it shouldnt be that big a deal for you. I worked the last semester as a nurse extern on a medical unit so had plenty of turning and moving going on.

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Are you on any work restrictions now? I was an EMT for for 7 years before injuring my back (3 herniated disc). I was advised by my MD to get out of EMS and put on a 50lb weight restriction for my safety really. He figured if I didnt lift any more than 50lbs I wouldnt rupture one and he wouldnt have to do surgery.

I started an ADN program last Aug with my restriction and have not had any real problems yet. If it becomes a problem come job hunting time I will just have him remove it. Lifting in the hospital is nothing compared to working the street so it shouldnt be that big a deal for you. I worked the last semester as a nurse extern on a medical unit so had plenty of turning and moving going on.

Hey Ya'll,

thanks for the responses. I am not currently under any restrictions, however, after blowing out L3-5 I tend to be very cautious when lifting! Having done my "ward coolie" time back in my early hospital corps days, I feel I can deal with the lifting usually associated with patient care. I also have RA but that is more painful with stuff like weight-lifting (curls and such).

I really would like to hear about specialty options that would work for me.

Thanks - Doug

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Fireguy,

Not every area of nursing requires "heavy" lifting, but depending on the severity of your 'physical issues' they could become a problem since nursing assessments and many aspects of basic patient care involve bending, turning, lifting, etc.

Also, you mentioned that you're considering becoming a traveller after completion of RN school. I doubt that you'll be able to do this immediately after graduating from the RN program. Most, if not all, agencies require that you have at least 1 year of professional nursing experience before they will hire you as a travel nurse. This makes sense because travellers do not receive extended preceptorships when they are sent on an assignment so they have to know enough to 'hit the ground running' whereever they are assigned.

Maybe the mod could move your post to the general discussion board where you'd get more practical advice from experts in all the various areas of nursing about what you could possibly specialize in.

Thanks for your response. I was looking at the forum about career info and that prompts another question. It is possible for me to get my BS in Public Administration through my current employer. I really didn't want to take a bunch of boring classes (again!), however, if I had my BS in PA I would think it would help me into an accellerated BSN program. Obviously it would help in admin - I just don't know that I wish to go that route.

So maybe this discussion should move to another forum, as you advise....

Thanks - Doug

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Specializes in Rodeo Nursing (Neuro).
Hey Ya'll,

thanks for the responses. I am not currently under any restrictions, however, after blowing out L3-5 I tend to be very cautious when lifting! Having done my "ward coolie" time back in my early hospital corps days, I feel I can deal with the lifting usually associated with patient care. I also have RA but that is more painful with stuff like weight-lifting (curls and such).

I really would like to hear about specialty options that would work for me.

Thanks - Doug

If you can tolerate standing for long stretches, something like OR circulating nurse might work for you.

I work with a nurse who is well under 5 feet tall. She isn't a lot of help with lifts, but she's a nurse. It is possible to accommodate physical limitations, if people are willing to work together.

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forget the nursing, most people talk about how much they like nursing and helping people (bs) but five minutes later they are complaining about their job, the pay, and the management. i would encourage you to look into becoming a pharm d. they are giving out bmw's to new grads, making over 100k yr one guy said he made 50 an hour. so if your really want to hear all the moaning and groaning and wiping *** then become a nurse if you want to make cash and not strain your back become a pham d.

one nurses opinion,

the y factor

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