Help after injury

[MommaRN86]

Hi Nurses, I am in need of some career help.

I injured my back badly about 9 months ago lifting a heavy patient resulting in a laminoforaminotomy with distectomy L5/S1. My neuro has hope that I will legally be allowed to return to physical work in the next couple months. However, because of the injury and affects on my family I'm thinking I need to avoid this ever happening again at ALL costs. Honestly it has taken me about this long to pick myself up by my bootstraps and figure it's time to try something new. I love being a nurse. I really enjoyed geriatrics and especially love the bedside. However, since my injury I am realizing it is probably smart to stay away from a lot of physical work. I have been a nurse for about 4 years, however have worked part time for the past three because I have two little ones at home. Can you help me brain storm career options for me? Masters degree is not affordable now unless I am working(although I'd love to get it). And case management seems to require more experience than I have. Am I missing something, or do I have to walk away from nursing altogether???

[PCnurse88]

Why not a type of nursing that is less physically demanding? School nurse, or nurse in a clinic / doctor's office?

[HouTx, BSN, MSN, EdD]

So sorry you have experienced this life-changing injury. I find it completely unconscionable that employers are still allowing staff to physically lift patients rather than mandating the use of mechanical assist devices.

There are many areas of nursing that are less physically taxing. I know of some back-injured nurses who have successfully transferred into NICU (no problems dealing with the tiny people) or administrative roles. I wish you all the best. Hope you can get your career back on track soon.