Sian3

Dear Realnurse, I started nursing when I was 18, my clinical nursing ended 11 years later, I reached over to adjust a patient's pulse oximeter probe & felt like someone had rammed a red hot poker in my lower spine. A subsequent MRI revealed 3 prolapsed lumbar / sacral discs and severe degenerative disc disease (I had always put my end of shift back pain down to one of those things, until then!). I was distraught when my orthopod told me after my surgery, that I couldn't return to clinical nursing and could only do a desk job. After months of meetings with management, they couldn't find me alternative employment. I trawled nursing journals for a suitable job, with no luck. One day I'd almost given up hope, when i saw an advert for an experienced nurse to work for an international charity. Iwent for an interview and the next day i had a job. No shifts, no low morale, they wanted me for my knowledge and experience, in return they gave me respect and a decent salary. Don't get me wrong, the transition from clinical to office based nursing wasn't easy, I went through a tough grieving period. But i survived and you can too. Wherever you work you'll always use you nursing skills and knowledge. And in your heart you'll always be a nurse. All the very best for the future.