I am 33yo and, after the loss of a relative, have just begun a career change from a desk job into nursing (which is obviously not a desk job). I just began pre-clinicals for a 2nd degree BSN, eventually to be followed by a MSN. Before I get too far along in changing my career, I do have one worry...
IS IT POSSIBLE TO BE A GOOD RN WITH A BAD KNEE?
As a teen, I was struck by a drunk driver and suffered severe injuries to my knee, neck, back, and head. The knee has gotten *much* worse over the years (admittedly, because I played what the doc called "excessive sports" on an already bad knee from the car accident). Now, at only 33yo, the doc says I have a 70+ year-old knee. Gone are the days of it just aching with weather changes; now stairs hurt, it’s stiff to the point that I can barely bend it, and squatting is an enormous challenge.
I plan to eventually have knee replacement surgery, but am putting it off as long as absolutely possible since I've heard so many less than glowing reviews of having it done (and also the surgeon said I'd be out of work for 3 months recovering, initially in a wheelchair until I learn to walk again).
Whether or not I have knee surgery, I will always have some knee limitations and I'm afraid that may impact my ability to be an outstanding RN.
I work nights on a pediatric psych unit. I mostly sit and do paperwork... chart audits, MAR audits, stuff charts, etc.. It isn't particularly the most rewarding job in the world and not a job I would particularly recommend to a new grad, but something like that would be an option maybe later on when your knee gets so bad that you simply can't handle an ICU job. It's fairly easy and low stress, physically and mentally.
Thank you for letting me know. It's good to know I'd have a back up job, should I just not be able to do bedside any longer. That's my biggest hesitation with changing fields into nursing so late in my career.
ICU is probably a poor choice - with that and the floor, you wouldn't get to sit very often.
Why not get the replacement if it is this limiting for you?
Thanks for the tip. What units would you recommend?
I have recently decided to get the replacement surgery. Right now I work full-time (at a very demanding job that would not allow me to take off 3 months - I can't even get a vacation here) and go to school nights / weekends so I can't afford to be out of work/school for 3 months (that's what the surgeon told me to expect). So, in 3-4 years, when I'm done with my 2nd BS in nursing, but before I sign on to a full-time RN job, I thought that would be the perfect transitional time to take 3 months off to have the sugery. Let's see if I can wait that long.
In 1992 I rotated my femur 180 degrees on my tibia (foot pointing north, upper leg and remainder of body pointing south) I have had two arthroscopic surgeries and one 6 hour open procedure to completely reconstruct my knee. I have continued to work full time in various jobs including ER, PICU and Flight nursing. In addition I am an aggressive, expert level down-hill skier, Scottish Highland dancer and a cyclist in the summer. My knee hurts all of the time but it has never limited me in my job or recreational activities, even though I have bone grinding against bone. Just like you,I will be facing a knee replacement sooner than later. Unless you are completely unable to tolerate pain you will find yourself able to adapt your caregiving to your limitations.
BTW...I may be completely off base here but I don't think it is common to be wheelchair-bound after a knee replacement. I believe most people are discharged with walkers and advance to cane/crutches as able.
"I rotated my femur 180 degrees on my tibia (foot pointing north, upper leg and remainder of body pointing south) --FlyingScot
:barf02:Ya know, I can take care of someone with an extreme ortho injury... But since I totally wrecked my ankle like 15 years ago, I absolutely cannot watch sports replay of that kind of stuff. OMG! Just don't make me have to "watch it in progress"
My knee hurts all of the time but it has never limited me in my job or recreational activities, even though I have bone grinding against bone. Just like you,I will be facing a knee replacement sooner than later. Unless you are completely unable to tolerate pain you will find yourself able to adapt your caregiving to your limitations.
BTW...I may be completely off base here but I don't think it is common to be wheelchair-bound after a knee replacement. I believe most people are discharged with walkers and advance to cane/crutches as able.
I am *so* relieved to hear that. I am, indeed, one who pushes through the pain (that's why I'm in such bad shape now lol). I'm glad to know I can still be a nurse with a bad knee.
About the wheelchair, I am going to get a second opinion. That's what the surgeon told me, but I didn't think that was common either. He comes *very* highly recommended by many in the area, but I've just never heard of a wheelchair being needed either. He said wheelchair, to walker, to crutches, to walking... and that it would be a long road to recovery, but the younger I do it, the better. He said I'd need the surgery by 30yo. I said I'm waiting until 40yo. lol I'm 33yo now, and ready to have it done in 3-4 years when I finish my 2nd degree BSN (so I guess we're meeting half way :).
Thanks again for the words of encouragement and sharing your story! I wish you all the best!
ChihuahuaMamaX2
25 Posts
Thank you for letting me know. It's good to know I'd have a back up job, should I just not be able to do bedside any longer. That's my biggest hesitation with changing fields into nursing so late in my career.