bad back

[Wyclef]

I wasn't sure if this was the correct forum to post this in. I am currently a student taking pre-requisites in order to apply for a nursing school. I feel that I have an ok understanding of the responsibilities of a nurse, and feel that I am a good match to fit these duties, and I am really excited to become a nurse, but there has been one thing that has been worrying me lately. Well, I would consider myself in pretty good shape, but in the last year or so, I have thrown my back out a couple times. This is the first time in my 20+ years that i have experienced any sort of injury that has seemed to be so reoccurring. I've gone to seek advice from doctors, but have just received the same old, ibuprofren and rest advice. My question is how physically demanding is it to be an RN. I know that there are very many different avenues that nurses may pursue. Any description from any field would be great. Thank you.

[kittykash]

When I first started my career, I ached all over. Actually cried the first couple of nights after 12-hr shifts. It does get better, though. The right shoes and the proper positions to lift, shove, push, and pull a patient makes all the difference. Plus, sometimes you just can't do it yourself. I never hesitate to yank the first person I see to help me pull a patient, change a diaper, or transfer a patient, etc. Also, while you're a nurse, if you help your nursing assistants, you'll find them much more willing to help you out and your day goes much better. I do know the ibuprofen bottle personally though! :)

[Wyclef]

a response! thank for the input, kitty kash. wyclef

[shannonRN, BSN, RN]

if you want to become a nurse, i say go for it. there are so many different areas of nursing that if one is hard on the back you have the opportunity to transfer to another area. good luck!!

[renerian, BSN, RN]

Wow that is a tough call. You could always work in an Drs office or for the red cross.

renerian

[dstudent]

Do you's have community nurses?

[renerian, BSN, RN]

I have worked in home health and do tons of lifting......

renerian

[RN-PA, RN]

I've worked part-time Med/Surg for the past 9 years and am 46 yrs. old. We often have a number of nurses out with back injuries and working "light duty". There's never enough help and many patients take 3-4 people to transfer them to stretchers to go for tests or whatever, and if you work full-time or 12 hr. shifts with heavy-care-- or just heavy patients-- it naturally takes its toll. I try to exercise regularly and stay in fairly good shape to prevent injuries and keep my back strong, but am always aware how easily an injury can occur-- and how drastically it can change your life, and try to practice good body mechanics. I work with a 26 yr. old RN who's a good friend and great at her job, but has recently injured her back, and is reluctantly looking for another job. She eventually wants to have children and realizes she can no longer do hospital nursing; it will be a real loss for our floor, but she sees the handwriting on the wall.