nursing career and back issues

[rosie94]

I have had arthritis in my back for the last 20+ years, and can manage mostly like everyone else, and can lift when I really need to, but probably not on a frequent, regular basis. I wanted to be a nurse 25 years ago, but talked out of it back then by well meaning family and friends. I also have been Type I for 10 years now...

Wanting to know if anyone has any insights, experience with this and if a good idea for me to proceed with plans to get an ABSN. Any advice would be greatly appreciated... Thanks in advance for your help!

[jamangel]

you will have to do some pulling on patients in nursing school. If you think you can make it through nursing school with the transfers and pulling up etc then why not do it. You don't HAVE to do anything back breaking in nursing. Corrections is an area, pharmeceutical rep, case management, school nursing etc. You can do just about anything so don't let that stop you if you can handle it.

[Hopeslayer]

I suffered a career ending back injury in the USMC. I made it thru 5 years as a CNA, and nursing school. I know what its like to have constant back pain, kinda like a swarm of bees that never quite go away. I now work in a SNF on the sub-acute unit. And my back has definately thanked me.

You may still find yourself having o use your back once your licensed, but it won't be all that often. Stick with it

[rosie94]

I appreciate your responses, support and encouragement. I'm going for it!!!

[RN BSN 2009]

congrats

[jthewood]

I appreciate your responses, support and encouragement. I'm going for it!!!

Me too! I had a back injury that ended my military creer (paratrooper) and I'm returning to school for my BSN with Uncle Sam's blessing! I too know how it feels to have to protect an injured back but there are plenty of areas in nursing that won't kill my back. Best of luck to you, I was just accepted to Marymount for the fall of 2007!

Jason

[rosie94]

Congratulations!!!