Osteoarthritis in my mid 20's and thinking of nursing

[fiba]

will having this effect my ability to be a nurse?

I am physically strong upper body wise, but was told I have little cartilage in my knees. I notice standing 10 hours straight hurts my knees.

I sometimes wear a brace to aid me when working standing positions or in physical activity such as sports.

My other career was policing, but with that diagnosis I feel even more scared than before lol.

The ortho doc told me he would not test those waters with my knees/legs.

Physio said my knees should not prevent me from policing, but structurally I don't have the best lower half so I really need to strengthen and stretch the muscles around my knee.

Do I have to get an office job? I have always like health care due to family and personal reasons/experiences, but chose law enforcement due to my grades and at the time I liked it.

Now I am in my mid twenties and things kind of changed.

[RNsRWe, ASN, RN]

Well, while we cannot offer medical advice on this website, I can give my thoughts on nursing and its toll on the human body :)

Bedside nursing (the kind you would be doing in clinical settings throughout nursing school, and as a new grad) IS tough physically. You DO need to be able to stand for long periods, walk for long periods, as well as squat and kneel.

While having bad knees doesn't eliminate you from the practice of nursing (as there are many avenues of nursing that are NOT at the bedside), I'd be most concerned with your ability to get through school AND work long enough to gain enough experience so that you can move away from bedside into less physically-demanding jobs.

Just my thoughts, anyway :)

Good luck!

[fiba]

Well, while we cannot offer medical advice on this website, I can give my thoughts on nursing and its toll on the human body :)

Bedside nursing (the kind you would be doing in clinical settings throughout nursing school, and as a new grad) IS tough physically. You DO need to be able to stand for long periods, walk for long periods, as well as squat and kneel.

While having bad knees doesn't eliminate you from the practice of nursing (as there are many avenues of nursing that are NOT at the bedside), I'd be most concerned with your ability to get through school AND work long enough to gain enough experience so that you can move away from bedside into less physically-demanding jobs.

Just my thoughts, anyway :)

Good luck!

I can walk for long periods, but I think regardless I would feel it, I think most people do. I remember I was doing a shift as a security guard a couple of weeks ago. It was a 10 hour shift, most of it was standing and I felt it lol when I came home.

was told though that most people would feel it too, that is why no one likes taking those shifts.

I can do the kneeling, it would feel a little uncomfortable.

I am not a cripple though far from it LOL

[RNsRWe, ASN, RN]

Ok, then, I guess you'd be a better judge of whether you can and should do it than us! Best of luck in whatever you decide. :)

[mhy12784]

Ill just say that im also in my 20s, and went into nursing with significant arthritis in my lower extremities + hands

It definitely sucks, and youre going to develop a strong relationship with NSAIDs.

That said It did get better, and once I moved to a job where I actually get to sit a decent amount of the time I physically feel drastically better.

Doing typical 12.5 hour bedside shifts takes a significant toll on your body. I would look into stretching, REALLY good shoes, foam rolling, really nice compression stockings and break out all the tricks. Its doable, but youre certainly going to have your fair share of pain. Especially when the winter months come around.

Id at least have a contingency plan (ie going into management, admin, APN). Because while its definitely doable, doing it for 10+ 20 + 30+ years and forget about it. Off the top of my head I know nurses that work in my unit who have had knee replacements, feet surgery, and back surgery.

So doing it should be fine, just have a plan to prevent your body from going

[tonia12]

Hi [COLOR=#003366]mhy12784[/COLOR]

My question is not related to this post. I saw a previous post you created about an interview for new grad at John Mather. I was wondering if you could help me with some likely questions I am likely to be asked. I have an interview with them.