I need some advice!

Nurses General Nursing

Published

I am in nursing school and I will be graduating with my RN in May. I have been having severe pain and swelling in my knees for many years. Since I have started working at the hospital as a tech, the pain has become unbearable. I had an MRI done. The MRI revealed torn meniscus, cysts, joint effusion, and joint space narrowing in both knees. I am waiting to see the orthopedic specialist which could take several weeks. In the mean time, I have pain that shoots from my knee all the way up to my back and down to my feet. I only have 51 days until graduation so I refuse to give up after coming so far. I am thinking I will probably need surgery done. My fears are starting a new job as an RN and then having to have surgery. And also how much pain I will be in afterwards when I go back to work. And worst of all, I have practicum next month which will require me to work four 12-hours shifts each week, and I work one shift each week as well. Has anyone been in a similar situation or does anyone have any advice about this? Thanks so much!

Specializes in Adult/Ped Emergency and Trauma.

AND . . .

NEVER BE THE TALLEST THING IN AN OPEN AREA WHEN ITS LIGHTENING!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!:madface:

Up Vote Up Vote ×

I finished up nursing school with the biggest herniated disk my spine surgeon had ever seen. Practicum I'd start the day standing straight and by the end of the day would be bent over almost 90 degrees. Would go to my car, cry for about 10 minutes, then drive home, go to bed, go back the next day for more.

Thankfully I had a PCT job where I was going to work once I was an RN, so I arranged between my surgeon and manager to have surgery immediately after school finished, and my recovery time covered my NCLEX study time, so I went back to work and started RN orientation.

That said, I have fought back pain constantly since I first got into healthcare as a CNA at a nursing home. Nursing is grueling physically. While people DREAAMMMM of being a nurse, it's just not an option for everyone. I've got a dear coworker who's been out of work for two years now and likely won't be able to go back because of her back injuries. I'm in school now to get out of nursing because my body will not be able to keep doing this until I retire.

Go to your doctor, get a diagnosis and prognosis and seriously consider if this is a career that you will realistically be able to do.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Trauma, ER, ICU, CCU, PACU, GI, Cardiology, OR.

unquestionably, i'm so sorry that this is happening to you, however, we are not allow to give any medical advise through this medium. however, if i were in your position i would have the procedure done prior accepting any position or advise the recruiter of your situation. wishing you the best always...as i send you as hug from across the miles...aloha~ :hug:

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in none.

Please let this board know what language you speak so that we can translate the words, " We Can Not Give Medical Advice"

I bet they will still come here for medical advice. OK here's the medicine. It real Poteen. Distilled in the hills of Ireland

It's between 180 to 195 Proof. Take Three shots and then call the undertaker. SLAINTE !

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in MPCU.
unquestionably, i'm so sorry that this is happening to you, however, we are not allow to give any medical advise through this medium. however, if i were in your position i would have the procedure done prior accepting any position or advise the recruiter of your situation. wishing you the best always...as i send you as hug from across the miles...aloha~ :hug:

no stuff. with a few changes, i read that post. sad, but true. i mean a shift of one or two letters.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in RN, BSN, CHDN.

I think thread has run it's course.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
+ Add a Comment