Potential nurse with future limitations

[mowski1214]

Hello All,

I am a 25, soon to be 26 year old male looking to enter the nursing profession. I would be looking into accelerated BSN programs and feel very confident about my acceptance into them based on my academic records and some volunteer/ work experience. Nursing sounds awesome with virtually limitless opportunities that I would love to participate in. Here is my problem though, I was diagnosed with a form of muscular dystrophy that in time, barring any medical treatments, will cause a challenge in life as I will struggle with normal movements. Currently I still have great strength and feel confident that I would be able to complete the program but my hesitation is being in the work environment and gaining experience with those potential limitations such as lifting, reaching, and any strenuous leg activity (walking, standing for a reasonable amount of time is ok).

I work with a fellow RN-BSN and she feels confident in that there is something I could do in nursing that is less strenuous. She mentioned some speciaties such as oncology, anethestist, infection control, forensic, occupational, school, community health, teaching (would absolutely love to do) and a couple others I can think off the top of my head that might work for me. All of those are specialties I would love to get into but I just want some confidence that I would be able to do something in nursing despite my future limitations.

I am also very interested in working toward become an NP probably in the family health, oncology, or whatever I could do in the field of obesity treatment/prevention.

So I am wondering...

is nursing doable despite my future limitations?

Are there any other specialties that are less strenuous?

Are employers open for accomodation? (even though they are required by law)

I posted pretty much the same question before but didnt have a good level of confidence to pull the trigger.

Any help or additional insight would be greatly appriciated!

[VegRN]

You should go ahead and apply to the program. Nursing is so varied that there I am confident that there would be nursing jobs that you could do despite your limitations. Things that come to mind that are not physically strenuous are insurance claim review, management, administration and case management.

I have a friend that works at a hospital with a blind doctor. Now if he is able to do that, I am certain there are jobs that you can do.

You sound like a smart and compassionate young man. The nursing profession would be lucky to have you!

[elkpark]

There is a wide range of possibilities available for less physically demanding/strenuous employment in nursing, esp. if you've gotten a fair amount of solid clinical experience first. Plus, you don't know what treatment options are going to be developed for your condition over time. I would not hesitate to go into nursing now and see how things play out over time.

[Jules A, MSN]

Future flexibility and opportunities is the major reason I originally considered nursing. I was thrilled to find that I love it. Best wishes to you.

[mommyonamission]

Yes, I agree with other posters - - go for it!

And don't forget the avenue of research. Another option with very little to no patient care and physical demands.

[bluesnurse]

Absolutely, I agree that you should move forward with nursing.

One of my classmates was a childhood leukemia survivor and is now one of the best oncology nurses you'll ever meet. A physiatrist at the same hospital lost a leg above the knee to cancer; patients travel hours to see him.

Your challenge is an especially obvious one. But nurses are first human and many of us struggle privately with chronic and/or debilitating health issues. I have bipolar 2 disorder, and while I "look normal," I can never let a day go by without acknowledging and caring for my illness.

And yes, there are some career paths that simply aren't options for me. My sleep cycle is fragile and I am simply not physically able to work night shift. That rules out a lot of opportunities right there. It's a bummer. But it doesn't stop me from successfully practicing as a nurse!

I hope you are able to maintain your mobility for many more years and I wish you the best!