Am I stupid to go for nursing?

Satori · Oct 30, 2002

Ok, here's my story. I'll try to keep it brief.

I was in a car accident last year, which inspired me to get into nursing. 1-1/2 years later, I've found a program I'm getting ready to start, but I'm having trouble with my knee. I have a titanium rod in my left femur, and I haven't been able to put any weight on my left knee without pain for the past couple of days. Is it possible that the pain will stop, or am I crazy to get into nursing?

I'm going to talk to my orthopedist about this. He should be able to advise me, just wondering what the rest of you think about this...

PennyLane, RN · Oct 30, 2002

Satori,

I'm sorry to hear of your car accident and knee pain. But since the pain just started a couple of days ago, isn't it possible that it's temporary?. Have you had the pain before? Have you tried going long stretches of walking and standing? I hope the pain goes away on its own, but if it doesn't, you should "try out" your knee before you commit to a nursing program.

Best wishes on a speedy recovery.

PennyLane, RN · Oct 30, 2002

Satori,

I'm sorry to hear of your car accident and knee pain. But since the pain just started a couple of days ago, isn't it possible that it's temporary?. Have you had the pain before? Have you tried going long stretches of walking and standing? I hope the pain goes away on its own, but if it doesn't, you should "try out" your knee before you commit to a nursing program.

Best wishes on a speedy recovery.

shannonRN, BSN, RN · Oct 30, 2002

i don't think anyone is stupid for choosing nursing as a profession. i think it is wonderful that you found what you want to do. :)

since the pain started a couple of days ago, i would hope that it is temporary. before this pain started were you back to your "old" self. like mel said standing for long periods of time and walking a lot is part of nursing. you definately need to talk with your orthopod. (i had ankle problems years before i decided to go into nursing. i had a hard time keeping up with the physical demands of the job...found an ankle specialist and he fixed me right up. i haven't had any problems. )

wishing you a quick recovery and luck with whatever decision you may make!

shannonRN, BSN, RN · Oct 30, 2002

i don't think anyone is stupid for choosing nursing as a profession. i think it is wonderful that you found what you want to do. :)

since the pain started a couple of days ago, i would hope that it is temporary. before this pain started were you back to your "old" self. like mel said standing for long periods of time and walking a lot is part of nursing. you definately need to talk with your orthopod. (i had ankle problems years before i decided to go into nursing. i had a hard time keeping up with the physical demands of the job...found an ankle specialist and he fixed me right up. i haven't had any problems. )

wishing you a quick recovery and luck with whatever decision you may make!

renerian, BSN, RN · Oct 30, 2002

I agree with a previous post as I do not think your stupid for going into nursing. Let us know what your Dr. says.

renerian

renerian, BSN, RN · Oct 30, 2002

I agree with a previous post as I do not think your stupid for going into nursing. Let us know what your Dr. says.

renerian

Satori · Nov 2, 2002

I called and left a message for my ortho to call me back last week. Hasn't happened so far, so I'll probably try him again on Monday. Grrr...it's just so frustrating to know what I want to do, then to be unsure if I'm physically capable of doing it!

CountrifiedRN · Nov 2, 2002

Satori,

I hope you find that the pain is a temporary thing and easily fixed. But I just wanted to let you know that there is a girl in my class that has a problem with her leg, and she has been on crutches through out our program (we're in our 4th semester of an ADN program). She is a little slower, but is doing fine in the clinical portion of our program. There are lots of positions in nursing that may not require you to be on your feet all day. Especially if you go for a BSN, you have more options available.

Good luck, and I hope your Ortho doc gives you good news!

beaRNwhenIgroUP · Nov 2, 2002

i know everybody is different, but, a friend of mine had a titanium rod placed in his femur about 4 years ago...he had a long recovery w/ p.t. and whatnot, but now he is a very active person...on his feet all day w/ a very busy job, physically active - raquetball, softball, basketball, coaching for his son's teams, etc...

oh, any chance to pain is r/t weather changes? some weather broadcasts even include "aches and pains index" so maybe that could have something to do with it

good luck!

sjoe · Nov 3, 2002

You are smart to be getting an ortho consult, rather than simply guessing and worrying about it.