PACU for me?

[Hoozdo, ADN]

Hello my fellow nurses,

Say, I have a problem. I am an ICU nurse with a bad neck (herniated disks C3 - C7) . My pain management doc says I MUST GET OUT OF THE ICU. We have quite heavy lifting demands with the repositioning Q2hr of vented patients. Daily bathing on pts that are completely dead weight, no lift teams, no CNAs, etc.

I enjoy the ICU atmosphere and environment. I think the closest I could come to what I love to do would be PACU. I realize you have to push gurneys and hospital beds, but I don't have a problem with pushing.

What are your typical lifting requirements? I just want to know if I am being unrealistic. Lumbar back is fine, cervical neck is the issue.

Thanks in advance for any input!

[Ortho_RN]

I personally would say the biggest issue is when a patient wakes up fighting, trying to get up, and you are physically trying to hold them down.. is that going to be possible with your neck???

[Hoozdo, ADN]

I personally would say the biggest issue is when a patient wakes up fighting, trying to get up, and you are physically trying to hold them down.. is that going to be possible with your neck???

Thanks for the input. Yes, I could physically hold them down. It's the constant repositioning of heavy, sedated, patients that is my problem. It wouldn't be a problem if we had a lift team or all rotational beds......but such is life!

Thanks again

[juliag]

There is no harm in applying ... then make the decision if you get the job! Generally it is a good environment to work in as far a physical demands go and there is always someone handy to give you a hand