Options for RNs with a bad back?

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I'm still in Nursing School but will be graduating this year. I currently work on an intermediate care med-surg floor and my original plan was to stay there after graduating... however, due to some recently diagnosed degenerative and herniated disc issues, my surgeon is strongly discouraging me from working as a floor nurse.

I'm looking for alternatives and any tips/success stories from anyone that has gone through this. Everyone says that there is SO much you can do in the nursing world, but I fear that this only applies to those who have healthy backs...

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Is the issue lifting or bending? Or being on your feet? You could try a clinic, a DR office, or dialysis but you will still be on your feet all day. Perhaps you could find a place with shorter shifts?

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How about public health (local health clinic) or in addressing the health needs of populations (teen obesity, single mothers, smokers, etc)? Another option could be working as a nurse in a school setting or in occupational health (medical office for a large company).

The pay in those settings is less than in traditional inpatient nursing, but the work conditions may be more suitable.

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I'm looking for alternatives and any tips/success stories from anyone that has gone through this. Everyone says that there is SO much you can do in the nursing world, but I fear that this only applies to those who have healthy backs...

Whoever has been telling you that there is so much you can do in the nursing world, is speaking about opportunities that exist in a nursing shortage market, not a nursing surplus market. New grads are struggling to find employment of any kind. Finding employment that can accommodate a preexisting back problem, is going to be even more challenging in this market. What type of nursing program are you graduating from? ADN or BSN?

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Specializes in Med Surg - Renal.

Yeah, floor work is going to be tough on your back even if you never lift anything.

It really depends on your situation. The only thing you can do for sure is work with your caregivers to get your back as healthy and strong as you can. This is very difficult because for many, even if you do everything right you still end up with problems.

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I have had back surgery twice so am limited in the amount of nursing I do, however, there are places you can work that fill a big need. I work in pediatric home health and have for 8 years. I get to pick the clients I work with so I know ahead of time if they will be too heavy. I generally stick with under 30 pounds and it is easy on the back as you are not on your feet all day (lots of cuddling time!)

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Specializes in Hospice.

Managed care nurse. i have a few friends that started as new grads.

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