Need Your Honest Opinions, Please !!

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I know that no one can make this decision for me. I have to make it myself, however, I need your input for those who are nurses.

I have always wanted to be a nurse. I took care of my son until his death at the age of 9 1/2 years and cared for my dad the last three months of his life.

My 9 1/2 year son had multiple medical problems (I adopted him and had him since he was 8 weeks old). He had hydrocephalus, chronic lung disease, cerebral palsy, seizure disorder and legally blind. I did his trach care, changed his g-tubes and all types of care.

I am 55 and will be 56 in October of this year. I have a chance to get into the LPN program this fall or apply to the RN (ADN) program in September 2009.

I can't lift heavy weights ( I would say over 50 pounds frequently). I have helped lift with a draw sheet and can do that with another's assistance.

I've tried desk jobs and I can't sit continously, it is actually better for me to be up and moving around. I have thought about psych nursing.

Is there still a chance for me to go into nursing? I have to make a decision for classes by the middle of March.

Someone please advise about the pros and cons of nursing with back problems - I have lost 81 pounds since September due to gastric bypass surgery and I have a lot more energy. I also have (and please no insults on this) fibromyalgia (I do not take meds for this as I use to be so over medicated I hated it and have refused to take meds for the pain for years now). I cannot work a regular 9:00 to 5:00 job sitting at a desk. I am thinking of WOW (two 12 hour shifts I believe it is) and thinking that would be easier on me somehow.

I just really need advice before I sign up for these classes and then find out I can't do nursing.

Do you think it is doable?(sp??) Many many thanks for your input.

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Specializes in Dialysis, Nephrology & Cosmetic Surgery.

My suggestion would be that you first try and work as - not sure what the correct title is in the US - healthcare assistant / nursing assistant? That way you will have an idea idea if you could manage the shift patterns, work load etc.

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Specializes in MRDD.

I wish you luck. School may be hard there is not much mercy in clinical . once you have your license you can be a little more choosy. Good luck. I also agree liverpool jane try being an nurse aid first.

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Have you spoken to your doctor(s) about this? They would be better able to give you advice on your physical limitations as it relates to both nursing school and working as a nurse.

It's physically rough work, I'm not going to lie to you. Even if you're able to find a job after graduation that fits your physical needs, you have to consider you will be in clinicals during school that may not.

Good luck :)

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Specializes in NICU.

My friend has a bad back and the school gave her a hard time about it. I think she got to the point she wished she hadn't disclosed it :rolleyes:.

Clinicals were a little rough, but we had a good class and she would just ask for help with the heavy stuff; people were always willing to oblige.

She hasn't had a problem working, however. There are jobs that require less lifting. I work in the NICU and most of my babies are well under ten kilos, most under five. Working on med/surg would require a lot of lifting, though.

My personal opinion, go for it :).

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Specializes in Med-Surg, HH, Tele, Geriatrics, Psych.

You sound as if you would make a wonderful nurse, and we certainly can use more of those!!! BUT...Honestly, nursing is a tough job. It is not only physically demanding, but emotional and mentally draining at times.

Nursing school is not a walk in the park. If I had it to do over again, I would not wish to go back through nursing school. It is stressful and tiring, and there are never enough hours in the day to complete what you need to do.

What about being a nurse aide, or work in a doctor's office where they could train you?

I truly hate to squash someone's dreams, but you asked for an honest opinion and I am giving it.

Good luck to you!

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Others suggested that you first become a nurses aide- I don't. If you have back problems being a nurse aide is even worse than being a nurse. Nurses aides have to do a lot more lifting many times.

I agree with what another poster said about talking to your doctor. You have to have a physical to get into the program and you may not meet the requirements.

Maybe you should try being a medical assistant or a phebotomist or some other health related career.

As one poster said, once you get into the field you may be able to find a job that fits your needs, but nursing schools are quite so accomodating.

Talk to your doctor and to a nursing advisor at the school you plan to apply for and see if they think you can/should do it. If they say yes-then go for it. If they think not- try another health-care related field.

Good luck on your decision.

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Fibromyalgia can be exacerbated by stress and sleep-deprivation/poor sleep patterns. Both of which are quite common in nursing (school and work). Again, good luck. I hope you can find a way to manage to attain this goal. If your docs say nursing isn't the way to go, you can always consider other healthcare options.

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mommaoftwo,

I say, if your heart is in it, go for it! I have back and knee problems (among other issues). My nursing school did not require a physical, nor did it ask any questions about specific physical conditions (though I think there may have been a question about any physical conditions that would prevent me from carrying out my duties, or something really vague like that). As others have recommended, it is a really good idea to talk to your doctor first, but other than that, I say follow your heart. Good luck!!!

notadoc

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Specializes in Dialysis, Nephrology & Cosmetic Surgery.
Others suggested that you first become a nurses aide- I don't. If you have back problems being a nurse aide is even worse than being a nurse. Nurses aides have to do a lot more lifting many times.

I hadn't appreciated this - in the UK it doesn't matter if you are a RN or HCA we all tend to do our fair share of the heavy work.

I am surprised that there doesn't seem to be a "no lift" culture in the US. UK hospitals have invested millions into equipment and training as they were getting sued by nurses after sustaining injuries.

I hope you are able to find a way to work satisfy your desire to be a carer no matter what path you take.

Jane

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I already have my CNA certification and have tried the CNA work and was unable to do the lifting. Guess I should have put this in my op. I also have my CPR certification. I have already taken 5 of my classes towards the RN program, plus getting the CNA certification and CPR which are requirements before starting the program. Some of these also count towards the LPN program. I have already talked to my doctor and she seems to think I could do nursing in some aspect, probably not strenous bedside nursing, at least not a lot of heavy lifting.

I believe there is some area I could work in in nursing. I just don't know all the areas available in nursing.

Thanks to all of you for your replies. And yes, I do want you to be honest.

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I already have my CNA certification and have tried the CNA work and was unable to do the lifting. Guess I should have put this in my op. I also have my CPR certification. I have already taken 5 of my classes towards the RN program, plus getting the CNA certification and CPR which are requirements before starting the program. Some of these also count towards the LPN program. I have already talked to my doctor and she seems to think I could do nursing in some aspect, probably not strenous bedside nursing, at least not a lot of heavy lifting.

I believe there is some area I could work in in nursing. I just don't know all the areas available in nursing.

Thanks to all of you for your replies. And yes, I do want you to be honest.

:)

If your doc has (or will) clear you for clinicals, then there are so many areas of nursing that could fit your restrictions.

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