In a tight place. Need advice

[aerorunner80, ADN, BSN, MSN, APRN]

I could really use some advice or just good stories.

I ran a half marathon (one of many I've run) two weeks ago (ish) and ended up with an ankle injury that requires me to wear a walking cast for at least 30 days.

The problem with it is that it's open toe and my school is very strict, for good reason,on having the toes covered.

I'm freaking out right now because I'm afraid that they won't let me go to clinical and maybe even try to hold me back a semester (I graduate in April so I'm in Level 3 right now...almost there!!!!) which would completely devistate me! I'm in the top of my class so I hope they look at that and don't hold me back. It's not like I asked for this to happen to me.

Has anyone else been in a situation like this before? It really really sucks and I'm really scared.

I also just called my boss at work to let her know what is going on and she says that because I'm light duty, I'm not allowed to do any patient care at all so they have to take me off the schedule so there goes that income.

Please help! I could really use some reassurance!

[Blossom Girl]

If the walking cast is somewhat flexible, you might be able to put a light-weight flat on that foot and then put the cast on so that it covers your toes. As for work, I had a similar situation due to tendonitis in my ankle from a 1/2 marathon, and I was able to work with the recreation crew for a few weeks instead of patient care...maybe there is an option like that available where you work? The pay wasn't as good, but it was better than no pay.

[Blossom Girl]

Oh, I forgot to say: Good luck! :)

[DolceVita, ADN, BSN, RN]

Ummmm...did I miss something? Why can't you cover your toes? Just because the cast is open toe doesn't mean you cannot cover your toes. I am sure you understand the concept of why your toes should be covered. So come up with something like a plastic bag.

What do your instructors suggest? What does the nurse at your doctors office suggest?

Have you even broached the subject with your school yet?

Good luck.

[aerorunner80, ADN, BSN, MSN, APRN]

If I could cover it with a plastic bag I would but that won't stop needle sticks. Already asked. It has to be something substantial so if the doc doesn't come up with anything better, I'm going to go to the store, try on some ballet flats and see if that will work under the cast.

[TheSquire, DNP, APRN, NP]

A ballet flat's gonna stop a needle stick? Really? Color me skeptical.

Have you called/gone in to see your nursing dept's clinical coordinator and talked to him/her about it yet?

[Coriander, BSN, RN]

When my sister had one of her many injuries, she had one of these to cover her walking cast... http://www.herbalremedies.com/cast-boot.html This wasn't the exact model, but it kept her toes protected. (She tends to drop things. :) )