After much thought as to my physical situation and from what I read about how nursing is, I have decided to forego my lifelong dream of becoming a nurse.
I have to have A/C repair as soon as this semester of school is over, I am not able to lift much weight, I have thoracic outlet syndrome (born with extra cervical rib) and fibromyalgia.
I have just wanted this for so long, but have to realize my limitations and I have not been willing to do that. I don't want to admit I can't do something and especially nursing.
I can't take a chance with my neck, shoulder and back in clinicals. Some days I have extreme fatigue. I do not take meds for the fibro and haven't for years. I live with the pain. I don't like how the meds made me feel and function.
So, my hat is off to those of you in the ranks. I truly admire those that are caring and pray that the problems in nursing changes for all of you. A lot of you have given your all and it is greatly appreciated by me.
I plan to continue on in school, but will just change directions from nursing.
OR is extremely physical in nature. We get very large patients and there is no lifting equipment available(at least in my OR). I'm on my feet for 98% of my shift and am always running for things. The instrument trays and equipment can be very heavy too. When you're scrubbed, you're on your feet for the whole case and some of these can take 6 hours or more.
Not flaming or anything, but OR would not be a good choice for the OP for the above reasons. There is also no such thing as "light duty" in the OR either..If you show up to work, you're expected to be at 100%.
I apologize for not realizing how physical OR can be. I've obviously never done OR nursing and my only experience was in nursing school. I was just trying to give some alternatives.
I wouldn't worry too much about the requirements for school. As long as it is documented, the school must work around any disabilities that you have.
Someone has to be the proper physical shape and the program doesn't have to change those requirements for a student with documented disabilities.
At least that's how it was in the program I entered.
It's one thing if someone already is a practicing nurse to recommend all those things for them. But if someone isn't a nurse, but has physical problems, including issues with pain, that make it doubtful they can cut it in nursing they shouldn't get into nursing. I've seen too many "I have a bad back but I'll be fine because I really want to be a nurse" type people regret their decision.
Anyway, I applaud the original poster for knowing their body and it's limitations and wish them well.
If you feel that nursing is out for you then look into a degree from health science. You can still be involved in the medical care on a different level - pt education is one example.
Specializes in Community Health, Med-Surg, Home Health.
I believe that schools can make exceptions for temporary situations, but for one like this, I doubt it very seriously. Of course, each school is different, but, both, as a student and as a nurse, the work is very physically laboring.
I know this was a hard decision for you, but there are other ways to get into the medical profession, ways that are less strenous to the body. I wish you luck!
We have a lady at my LTC facility that is a social worker who helps the elderly with finding resources to help them along among many other things. She doesn't do any type of lifting whatsoever, and has a desk where she is at most of the time if she's not interviewing new clients or addressing issues with current clients. She is very happy in her position as she gets the benefit of helping people, which I think is why most people (at least the ones I have spoken to) became nurses in the first place. Just a thought...I think she has a bachelor's degree, but don't hold me to it!
I want to thank everyone for their suggestions and replies.
I plan on going ahed & pursuing a bachelors degree and plan on working in the medical field in one way or another.
I am looking at hospital social work and long term care social work. I might as well put my medical classes to work for me. I am speaking with an advisor at school and working on classes to transfer for my bachelors. I am even thinking of going for a masters and doing counseling. I realize I have a lot of options open and have thought about my age, I will turn 56 this year - but realize I am not to old to continue my education and time will pass anyway. What will I be doing in 5 years? I can either have a degree or be sitting here wishing I had one, so I will continue to work towards a goal.
Blessings to all of you and prayers for a wonderful life! :nuke:
Specializes in Jack of all trades, and still learning.
I plan on going ahed & pursuing a bachelors degree and plan on working in the medical field in one way or another.
I am looking at hospital social work and long term care social work. I might as well put my medical classes to work for me. I am speaking with an advisor at school and working on classes to transfer for my bachelors.QUOTE]
Thanks for letting us know what is going on.
I really wish everything good for you in the future.
Most schools require a certain level of physicality...although schools legally have to work around them, you may encounter a level of bias from others....
Look into other medical careers...there are quite a few out there and many of the jobs aren't filled by regular folks..healthcare will always have jobs! It's the one field that isn't recessionizing with the economy...in fact, my hospital just announced a major addition next year....go figure..money for the buildings, none for the staff.
I hope you find something that is a good fit for you. I admire you for being able to step back and look at it logically. Emotionally, it is very hard to give up on dream. I think you're being really smart about this. I know you must be disappointed. It sounds like medical social work might be good for you to check out. You sound like you have a good plan. Best wishes to you!
My gut is telling me your quality of life will NOT be decreased by not going into nursing. So, please don't regret it too much. It seems bedside nursing especially is a stressful field, and that job satisfaction, or at least a much higher degree of job tolerability, can certainly be found elsewhere.
You could try pursuing a public health degree, or a certification in clinical research coordination. You can still help the world while not in nursing per se.
I have fibromyalgia too. My most painful days are at work.
Unfortunately, because of my experiences over that last 15 years, my advice would be to find something else. With FM, you are facing possible limitations and the employers won't care. What I am facing is that the majority of my spinal damage came from early years of lifting heavy patients. I have absolutely no security from the years I worked as a nurse and when I can't work any more I will be limited to just a disability check. That will never be enough for me so I have pushed myself to keep working. I work with more pain than I actually see patients admitted with. I accomplish more than many of my patients.
The harshest fact here is that the employers are not going to be there for you when you can't move. You can still do other things, but after reading many of the posts here, you might realize that your investment into nursing might be a dissapointment. You could still decide to do nursing but stay away from heavy patient care in the hospitals.
HealthyRN
541 Posts
I apologize for not realizing how physical OR can be. I've obviously never done OR nursing and my only experience was in nursing school. I was just trying to give some alternatives.