Is there any hope for my nursing plans? Help!!

[allsmiles2008]

I have been accepted to a nursing program, and just (two days ago) found out that I have a medical condition. My doctor informed me that my lower spine looks like I may have arthritis in this area. I am only 28 years old! I am not as strong as when I was 21, but I can still function normally -- and of course my brain still works great! The only thing I CANNOT do is anything involved with heavy lifting or moving of things/people/equipment, etc.

Can I still become a nurse? This is something I have worked so hard for, and now I feel like my dreams are crushed.

Will schools even accept people who have physical conditions such as mine?

Does it even make sense for me to become a nurse? I am not slow, or a weakling. I just cannot do any heavy work anymore.

Please help!! I am so bummed -- after all my hard work, hopes, and dreams.

Thank you.

[futurecnm]

I have been accepted to a nursing program, and just (two days ago) found out that I have a medical condition. My doctor informed me that my lower spine looks like I may have arthritis in this area. I am only 28 years old! I am not as strong as when I was 21, but I can still function normally -- and of course my brain still works great! The only thing I CANNOT do is anything involved with heavy lifting or moving of things/people/equipment, etc.

Can I still become a nurse? This is something I have worked so hard for, and now I feel like my dreams are crushed.

Will schools even accept people who have physical conditions such as mine?

Does it even make sense for me to become a nurse? I am not slow, or a weakling. I just cannot do any heavy work anymore.

Please help!! I am so bummed -- after all my hard work, hopes, and dreams.

Thank you.

Is there a weight limit to how much you can/cannot lift? I know that I think you have to be able to lift a certain weight (can't remember what) to get most nursing jobs. As a student, you will be required to help move patients. of course, they don't want anyone getting hurt so they teach proper body mechanics etc but you have to at least be able to roll people back and forth to change beds and when pt are incontinent. There are some nursing jobs that do not require as much lifting but in school you will start out at the very basics which unfortunately is bed baths, ambulating, moving etc. If they will accomodate your medical condition you could ge through it but it may be a requirement that you are able to do these tasks. I know nursing is very hard on the back, and I worry a little about that (even though I do not have any physical problems yet!).

[GrumpyRN63, ADN, RN]

I don't see why not, when I was in school, another student had spina bifida, she could walk, but I'm certain she had limitations-- didn't stop her, Go for it!!

[kukukajoo, LPN]

Only you and your doc could completely decide that, but I think that you should be okay as long as you are careful and know what your own limitations are.

It may mean later on you can not do floor nsg or a specialty where you are constantly on your feet, but there are so many aspects to nursing you will find your niche and soar!

I wish you all the best in your nursing school journey and congrats on getting accepted!!!!