I am currently a nurse at a home health agency. I love my job, coworkers and the agency but I have currently been on short term disability for the past month due to a back injury. I really dont want to think about having to leave my job but right now it looks like there is nothing that can be done for my back pain. I was just wondering if anyone out there knows of any jobs that I can possibly look for if this pain is not resolved. I really enjoy patient contact and I do not have much nursing experience. I have been a nurse for three years, two and a half years I worked as a surgical/ortho/neuro nurse and I just recently started working in home health 5 months ago. Before working as a nurse I worked as a CNA for about 11 years, in long term facilities, MD offices and on the surgical/ortho/neuro floor. I did want to go back to school for a bridge BSN-MSN program.
Jan 13, '13
Sorry to hear about your injury.
Many of us have injured our backs over the years in providing care to patients. My best advice is to fully recover, give yourself time, go to your PT. Having chronic back pain will surely impact the course of your career.
Good luck!
Jan 14, '13
Did you suffer an on-the-job injury? If so, please make sure that you understand and take advantage of all benefits/rights you're entitled to - especially if you have not signed a release. If you are unable to continue providing direct patient care, you may be able to get some support &/or funding for training to enable you to make a career switch to a related area that does not require any lifting such as informatics or case management.
Jan 13, '13Sorry to hear about your injury.
Jan 14, '13Did you suffer an on-the-job injury? If so, please make sure that you understand and take advantage of all benefits/rights you're entitled to - especially if you have not signed a release. If you are unable to continue providing direct patient care, you may be able to get some support &/or funding for training to enable you to make a career switch to a related area that does not require any lifting such as informatics or case management.
