LPN with multiple back injuries...

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Hello all,

I became an LPN over 4 years ago. I've worked in a pediatrician's office, in an assisted living and nursing home, and in home healthcare. I loved all of my jobs (though each had its stressful aspects.) And I often juggled 2 jobs at once. While working in home healthcare I strained my back and was out for 2 weeks, after that I went back to work and strained it again. I believe I went back too soon and that's how I re-injured it. Ontop of all of this, I had back surgery when I was 15.

Long story short I've been out of nursing work for over 2 months with chronic pain. I've been working in an office over an hour away from where I live. My company tried accommodating me but secretary work is boring compared to the fast paced environment I'm use to. I honestly hate it. And the commute of an hour and 15 minutes is not good for my back or my car. So I'm looking for a new job. One where I will not get injured again.

I've found how difficult it is to get a desk job as an LPN. Most case management, ect, jobs are only offered to RNS. I do have a bachelors degree in Health Science. I have applied to jobs at pharmaceutical companies but my resume screams "LPN" since that's all I've ever done. I can't even get a job in medical records because people only see me as a nurse.

Advice anyone? Maybe I'm not looking in the right places. Maybe there are more LPN jobs where I wouldn't have to use my back. Most nursing homes require you to be off of any kind of medical restrictions, so I know that is not an option.

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Specializes in critical care, ER,ICU, CVSURG, CCU.

Physician offices?

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Specializes in NICU, pediatrics, PICU, home health.

I suggest NICU. I have degenerative disc disease and have had multiple surgeries. I've been dealing with chronic pain, limited mobility and lifting restrictions and if I hadn't been working in the NICU when this all started I wouldn't have been able to work at all. I'm disabled now due to complications with my surgeries but I'm hoping I can return at some point. I suggest checking with hospitals in your area and see if they hire LPNs. The unit I worked in only hired LPNs for the step down unit or level 2 nursery but it is still a fast paced, very rewarding environment to work in. Good luck!

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