Disabled Nurse Wanting to Find New Job

[JessMoNurse]

Hi all,

I'm facing quite the struggle right now. I graduated from nursing school with my BSN in 2017. Since then I've had 3 hip surgeries that have interrupted my employment at the same hospital two times. They have rehired me 3 times now back to the same unit and to be a part of the residency. However, because of multiple surgeries I was diagnosed with a chronic pain condition called CRPS. I just had to have a spinal cord stimulator placed when I had a week off of work and my surgeon originally said this would be enough time for me to return to work. Unfortunately this is no longer the case as I have to be exceptionally careful, no bending past 90, twisting, reaching or lifting over 5lbs for 6 weeks. I was just rehired 2 months ago so I don't think my work can give me restricted or light duty. I have sent in my surgeons note to my manger explaining the situation. I will either be let go or need to resign most likely, unless they can give me light duty.

Overall, with this chronic pain I am unable to handle working at the bedside in a high stress environment for 12 hours at night for much longer. I am wanting advice on finding a position away from the bedside. I have experience in pediatrics working with solid organ transplant, cardiac defects, in a step down ICU/NICU. While I love what I do, my body is unable to keep up between the many surgeries I've had in the past 3 years. Any advice is welcome!

[NewOncNurseRN, BSN, RN]

Have you considered looking at something outpatient or in a clinic? Most require experience and I wasn’t able to tell exactly how much you had. Or maybe outpatient infusion could be an option. How much experience would you say you have?

[JessMoNurse]

5 hours ago, NewOncNurseRN said:

Have you considered looking at something outpatient or in a clinic? Most require experience and I wasn’t able to tell exactly how much you had. Or maybe outpatient infusion could be an option. How much experience would you say you have?

I would love to do outpatient or clinic. I do have some prior experience while in nursing school in Urgent Care and loved it as well. Unfortunately between having to take breaks so many times since getting my license I have about 8 months of experience. I know that I would have glowing recommendations as I thrive on my floor and have been told I'm above where "new grads" normally are with critical thinking. However, I do know this still isn't much experience. All I can say is if I do apply I can show how enthusiastic I am about the work and my willingness to learn the job requirements.

[Nurse SMS, MSN, RN]

Case management. Transplant coordinator. Nurse Navigator.

[DowntheRiver]

On 10/26/2019 at 3:40 PM, Nurse SMS said:

Case management. Transplant coordinator. Nurse Navigator.

Most of these positions require more than 8 months experience. Nurse navigators and case managers at my facility are required to have 5+ years experience and at least a BSN and a certification.

I'd suggest clinic work. I have back problems too (autoimmune condition attacking my spine) and work in an outpatient clinic within a larger hospital system and love it. Though ADA accommodations I've been given a sit/stand desk, anti-fatigue mat, raised desk, and specialized chair to make sitting tolerable in the workrooms.

[stewartam2]

School nursing, home health

Corrections nurse

[Kooky Korky, BSN, RN]

Parish Nurse, Jails, Prisons, Admissions Nurse, Teaching, Research, Public Health

Best wishes

Don't downplay your experience.

[CommunityRNBSN, BSN, RN]

I was hired into community health right out of school and I love it! It isn’t “easy” in terms of workload or stress, but it definitely is in terms of physical ability. I spend most of the day sitting (either at a desk or face-to-face with patients) and there’s no lifting at all. Also it’s 8-hr shifts and no overnights.