My brother had a bone removed from his arm can he still be a nurse?

[Nurse Beth, MSN]

I'm sorry to hear about your brother's accident, and I hope he's recovering well. 

It's hard to know whether this will affect his functional abilities without more information. Hopefully, he'll do well if he's young and early in his recovery/physical therapy.

Before entering a nursing program or applying for a nursing job, there can be a requirement for a physical examination. He would need to be evaluated to ensure that he can perform the essential functions of a nurse without risk to his health or the health of others. 

Generally, nursing schools look for candidates with the physical strength and dexterity required for lifting and handling patients, providing hands-on care, administering medications, setting up equipment, giving injections, starting IVs, and documenting in medical charts. If a condition greatly impacts a candidate's physical ability to perform these tasks, it may require accommodations.

A pre-existing health condition or disability does not automatically disqualify him from entering a nursing program. Still, he will need to provide documentation from his doctor stating he can perform the physical demands of nursing with or without reasonable accommodations.

In your brother's case, I would:

• Consult the nursing program. It's a good idea to contact the nursing program directly. They may offer guidance on what to expect in the physical exam and whether accommodations can be made.
• Provide medical documentation from his provider to explain the situation and confirm his ability to work in the nursing role once he has recovered.

Best wishes for his recovery,

Nurse Beth