Looking for opinions

[mommy2g1b]

I have wanted to go to nursing school for awhile now, and I am currently doing all of my pre-req's for the programs at my Community College. However, I have a problem.

I have 3 herniated discs in my back (L3-4, L4-5 and L5-S1). My Dr suggested that I not go into nursing, because he "operates on nurses backs all the time" and told me I should "get a nice desk job". Another Dr (not a back specialist) told me he thought that was ridiculous advice and I should do what I want, and as long as I was careful, I should be ok.

I thought I would come here and ask you all what you thought. Do you think going into nursing with back problems is a bad idea?

Thanks in advance, for your thoughts on this!

[sanctuary, BSN, MSN, RN]

There are lots of areas that would be open to you. Just don't take ED or OR. Try for one where the patient is ambulatory. Public health comes to mind. TB skin tests, walk in patients.

[wooh, BSN, RN]

As someone with those same herniated discs, I'd do some serious thinking. It's easy for a MD to say, "If you're careful, you'll be ok." It's another thing to be careful as an old lady is about to hit the floor and your instinct is to catch them. It's another thing to be careful as you're trying to change the bed on a combative 300 lb person. If it's what you really want to do, go for it. But if you're in it because it seems like a good steady career or some other reason other than a "calling" (which normally I don't think one should haveto have) then you could be in for a painful reality check. I mean "painful" literally.

And by all means, don't get a desk job. When you have lumbar discs affected, sitting is the worst thing you can do!!

[meownsmile, BSN, RN]

Did the dr also tell you that the SECOND largest group of people he sees with back problems are secretaries? That wouldnt surprise me at all since they do all the odd sideways pulling on file drawers that are heavy and sitting and reaching at odd angles. Ask a few and see what they say about not having back problems.