LPN With Disability

Dear Nurse Beth,

I’m a 57 yr/old female with 16 years as a LPN. I injured myself and had a total hip replacement one year ago. I still have some disabilities post surgery. I’m so lost as to what I can do now in the nursing field as a LPN. I wanted to finish my RN 9 years ago but put it on hold due to my late husband was diagnosed with rectal CA. What would you recommend going back for RN or a different field due to restrictions? I appreciate your help.

Dear Has Restrictions,

I'm sorry for the loss of your husband.

As an LPN, most jobs are clinical, which require standing, walking, lifting, etc., without restriction. Register on Indeed.com, and search for LPN office or non-clinical. You may be able to find a non-clinical job that works with your restrictions.

Check with the RN nursing program you are considering and ask if they accept students with restrictions. Without saying what your restrictions are, it's hard to say, but if you have a lifting restriction, it could be a problem. If a patient were to fall or you were not able to help pull a patient over from the gurney to the bed, it could be a liability for the program or organization.

Likewise, it would be a challenge finding an RN clinical position with restrictions as a newly licensed RN.

The answers you find from the school will guide your decision.

Best wishes,

Nurse Beth

Author, "Your Last Nursing Class: How to Land Your First Nursing Job"...and your next!