nursing career is looking grim!!!!!!!!!!!

Nurses General Nursing

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My husband posted a few times on here about what had happened and asked for some advice. I just thought I would make a post and tell everyone what has happened.

I graduated on December 12th. I was supposed to start on the 15th however my physical showed a hernia. I had to have this repaired before I could start. I had the surgery on december 22nd and went home Christmas day. After 3 trips to the doctor and surgeon and 2 trips to the ER I was admitted again. I had surgery a second time and the next day I was told that I had MRSA. The following day I was told that I also had Pseudomonas. I had surgery again this time to remove the mesh that was put in to help prevent any future hernia's. I have been home for almost 3 weeks now and my incision is almost completly closed. I am still on IV antibiotics and 2 oral anitbiotics. My most recent visit to the surgeon was devistating as he stated he was not going to release me because he does not want me lifting anything over 30 lbs and that is not for at least 6 months. When I asked if I will be able to work he asked if I could get a desk job. I know there are other avenues to try and pursue however I did not go to nursing school to work behind a desk or be a secretary( no disrespect to the nurses that do work behind a desk) this is not what I intendid when I started the program.

Just thought I would get some thoughts from other nurses.

Even though I hate the sue word we are in a law suite against the doctors and hospital.

It is not even just about being a nurse(that is a big part though) I can't even pick up my children, help my husband, go anywhere and my damn doctor laughs about it and says that infections happen!!!! Sorry i am venting now, maybe hearing from some of you will help me out some.

thanks

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Specializes in Corrections, Psych, Med-Surg.

"Just thought I would get some thoughts from other nurses."

Some thoughts about WHAT? If you have a question, simply ask it.

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you might consider aggressive physcial therapy especially involving resistence exercise. AS for the MRSA, and pseudomonas have you investigated any of the "alternative" approaches to these conditions? Among the most promising are diets high in garlic (possibly with supplementation) along with herbs such as goldenseal and echinacea. I believe that you can attain your dreams, and you will be in my prayers.

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I came across your post and I am so sorry for all that you have gone through since graduating. I do hope that you have a speedy recovery and can begin your career soon. I will keep you in my prayers.

:)

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I work for corrections as a psych nurse. I have an L5 partial discectomy which prohibits me from any heavy lifting. Doesnt matter though, since the COs do all the client physical contact and I just use my grey matter to help my clients help themselves.

Dont give up on nursing just yet......there are multiple diciplines out there for you.......you just have to do a little research to find the right spot. Good luck. Walter the Nurse

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Originally posted by sjoe

"Just thought I would get some thoughts from other nurses."

Some thoughts about WHAT? If you have a question, simply ask it.

:rolleyes:

lildebbie...are they releasing you to lift more weight after 6 months? If it requires a 6 month wait then that shouldn't be too bad. I know it's hard to wait when you feel like you've been waiting to do something your entire life. Good luck and I hope you have a speedy recovery!

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Specializes in Med-Surg, Trauma, Ortho, Neuro, Cardiac.

Sorry can't help with any suggestions for a desk job. Sorry to hear about your bad luck. Maybe you could work as a unit sec. or a telemetry tech, or in medical records temporarily. Good luck.

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I work in NICU and basically lift NOTHING......Have you considered NICU? Of course, I don't recommend it if you go into it solely because of the lifting restriction.....

But it is an incredibly rewarding (and yes, often heartbreaking) area. I would never do anything else!

Good luck in your endeavors, and don't give up - nursing school is is TOO BIG AN ACCOMPLISHMENT to have to discard......:kiss

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Have you taken the NCLEX yet? You said you graduated on the 12th of December. Maybe you could concentrate on that. I can imagine this is really disappointing for you, but however slowly it passes, the time will pass. You're going to be able to be a nurse if that's what you want to do. You jJust got to try to hang in there.

Maybe this is God's way of steering you into the right path in nursing. I mean, as bad as it is, it could turn out to be a good thing. I am sorry about your misfortune, though. Good luck to you and get well soon.

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lildebbie - I am so sorry for your problems. I think your law suit is wise, especially if the lawyer thinks you have a case. More than 6 months to recover from hernia repair is not good. This is your life and your livelihood they are messing with. When this surgeon said it would be 6 months and maybe you could get a desk job, did he also offer to pay your bills? I am not a litigous (sp?) person but infections are preventable and 6 months could be financially devastating. I'll be praying for you.

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Specializes in ccu cardiovascular.

I wish you luck in all your endeavors. You've been through enough, there are plenty of jobs out there that don't involve lifting. Most units there are plenty people on the floor to do the lifting if one is on light duty(no lifting), smiles to you.

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What amazes me is someone's capacity to discuss legal action while about to pursue a career in nursing.

Not to say that legal action is not often necessary in certain circumstances and given an obvious transgression should not be pursued.

However, considering the fact that you intend to be entering a profession where you yourself my face other unrealistic expectations..... I'm sorry I don't know all that much about your particular case and I grant you in many cases seeking legal advice and action is warranted.

However, what strikes me is the juxtapositioning of such a thing before your first day ever being employed in a health care setting.

Alas, such is the world today. I'm no better than the next hypocrite.

Just funny I thought. But sometimes I find things entertaining.

BK

P.S.- Wonders how someone may feel as a defendant should they have to provide their own liability coverage lol

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