Embarassed, but need to ask (help/student/chronic pain)

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I normally visit the Nursing Student discussion forum, but thought I may toss this one out to you experienced nurses:

Can you point me in a direction of a MESSAGE BOARD (need support) for NURSES with chronic pain? Can be also for nursing students, too.

I was accepted into nursing school in June. I start on August 22nd, ADN. I am VERY VERY excited, yet also nervous (normal reaction, eh?). This has more to do with nervousness about my BODY holding up more than anything.

I have taken it upon myself to talk with several nurses (WHO DON'T HAVE CHRONIC PAIN) what their opinion is on my occupation of choice--nursing....but haven't talked with a nurse who IS living and WORKING with chronic pain.

I have a very rare neurological disease, won't go into details....the main thing is this: I do have pain daily. It is managed 90% of the time. Every once in a while I will have a hard day where the medications don't touch it. I am on lortab; the only narcotic I've taken for the pain thus far. So far it is working a lot better than the Ultram that I had been on, and I don't feel as "fuzzy headed".

I seriously could use some support. I have heard both sides of the fence from nurses and non-nurses who don't live and work with pain....what I haven't heard is the perspective from someone who is DOING IT.

I truly want to succeed, but realize the capacity for some supportive words and advice here and there while tackling the program. I completed my pre-reqs already so it will just be theory/clinical to complete yet.

Thank you -----> :nurse:

(very MUCH)

Emma

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Try this website with links to others

http://www.exceptionalnurse.com/chronic.html

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I think you will get a good idea of how your body will handle it during your clinicals. You will jump right into bed baths and turning patients and such, and you will know how you feel when you go home after.

Listen to the way body mechanics are taught in your classes, apply them... and then listen to your body at the end of the day :)

Good luck!

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Specializes in Me Surge.

Will you be able to handle the physical demands of nursing with your chronic pain? I too, have chronic pain, but mine is from work related injuries. It is extremely difficult to do patient care when in pain. It is also hard to concentrate and think clearly. Employers probably will not want someone to work while on narcotics.

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I'm hoping I can.

I'm a lot "stronger" than a lot of women my age, through my experiences and the very things I'm doing now. I have five children (hers/his remarriage) all living at home. My mom is terminally ill. Many would say "Why are you doing this?" but the WHY is clear to ME. It's been my dream. I've already gotten halfway through. I just started the Lortab last week. Up until then I have managed on non-narcotic medication. I am in between my Botox tx now; once I get that, I should be doing a lot better.

I know I'm up against a lot. My HOPES are that while I expect to be exhausted, drained, yet fulfilled, I will survive it...and then pursue an area of nursing that is not physically draining.

I've worked at the pain clinic for 3 years and the nurses there don't do any real lifting. The nurses at the dialysis clinic said they don't lift at all; they also mentioned one of the hospitals in our area is a "Lift Free" facility.

I know that it is going to be rough, particularly at night. I'm hoping the fulfillment I get from going after my dream sustains the physical pain, at least through school.

I WAS going to go ahead and finish my BS in social work....but when I received that call in June, them offerring me a seat this year in the nursing program...I thought :stone social work:stone ....snore......

And all I've done is talk, talk, talk, and of course listen!:) to other nurses and gather their opinions, so thank you for offering yours to me.

I do have a question of concern regarding your reply....that most employers don't want someone on narcotics. Is this true???

Can anyone share on this???

I have a friend who is a nurse manager and says that a lot of her staff are on "something" at one point or another.

Would this be a reason to not hire me?

I have NEVER disclosed my health condition to ANY employer; at least not until I knew them well enough and perhaps in casual mention it came up....I know that I require a physical....but because of the small dose of Lortab they wouldn't HIRE ME?:uhoh21:

Will you be able to handle the physical demands of nursing with your chronic pain? I too, have chronic pain, but mine is from work related injuries. It is extremely difficult to do patient care when in pain. It is also hard to concentrate and think clearly. Employers probably will not want someone to work while on narcotics.
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Thank you for the advice. :) I plan to listen to the bod....it pretty much will let me know when I've been bad.

thank you so much for your support

Emma

I think you will get a good idea of how your body will handle it during your clinicals. You will jump right into bed baths and turning patients and such, and you will know how you feel when you go home after.

Listen to the way body mechanics are taught in your classes, apply them... and then listen to your body at the end of the day :)

Good luck!

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Thank you for the link. Unfortunately, the link for the chronic pain message board doesn't work..

I wonder if the mods would consider a forum for that? I mean, I know a lot of you (because of the occupational requirements) must have pain at some time. It would be nice to share ideas, etc. At least for me....

Thank you again.

Emma

Try this website with links to others

http://www.exceptionalnurse.com/chronic.html

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Another future (hopefully) student started a thread on this recently

https://allnurses.com/forums/showthread.php?t=113585

Hopefully I got the link thing right!

Sorry I haven't been on narcotics (unless you count the Fioricet I took years ago for migraines) as a nurse, can't comment on that. I'm hoping I don't have to go any stronger than neurontin...although today...

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In my experience, nurses with chronic diseases of any type are considered 'poor hires' in general, unless they are covered under the ADA. You will have to divulge your condition and your Lortab use during the hiring process, after which a 'better candidate' may be found for your position. In an employment at will state one can be let go anytime for any reason or none. They do not have to be honest in their response to why.

Different areas of the country, different people in charge....who knows...you might get lucky and fall into something. But facilities are not (in general) anxious to hire nurses with health problems, especially those on narcotics. There is not a lot of support for those of us nurses who live with chronic pain, either I've found. Facilities may suspect drug diversion. Coworkers may look at you funny when the count is off (if they know you have chronic pain)

Then there's proving you can meet the job description. I'm not sure how your pain reacts to lifting, but many facilities will demand a lifting test. My last facility had me lift 75 # 6 times, then 100 # 3 times...from floor to chest high shelf...while monitoring my heart rate to determine fitness. Not all facilities are this harsh; but many are.

You may want to do some informal research in your area to see what you will be up against. Consider consulting an attorney as well so you know your rights.. Good luck to you as you begin your career and I wish you the best. :)

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