UCRN1111

Hi all, My dream job is to be a NICU or level 2 nurse. Can you please share with me the physical demands of the job? I'm interested to know what most employers require for lifting, standing, etc. I injured my ankle a year ago and was told I need to preserve my joint as much as possible to avoid a fusion. I am curious if I can still pursue my dream job while not being on my feet for an entire shift. Thank you!

Thank you so much for responding. It has given me more hope than I could have imagined! I really appreciate you sharing with me! Thank you!

Hi all, I have been a nurse for about 5 years and my whole career I have worked in an Urgent Care. A year ago I fell & ended up with a right ankle trimalleolar fx with dislocation. I'm 13 months out from date of injury, 5 surgeries later, 2 PICC lines later, & was just told an ankle fusion is in my future. I have pain almost all of the time & my xrays show traumatic arthritis. My surgeon recommended I look into nursing management or another position with less on my feet to delay the progression of joint damage as much as possible & be able to easily transition post fusion. She doesn't know how long I have before I'll need a fusion but when that happens she said I'll probably need to give up floor nursing. I love direct patient care & can't see myself being happy in any sort of management role. Plus, I feel like I don't have enough career experience (just 5 years in one position) to be an effective manager. My dream job is to be a NICU nurse, particularly one that attends deliveries. I'm afraid this can't happen now with my limited ROM and pain with standing for a whole shift. Are there any NICU nurses out there that have accommodations for a bad ankle? Is it feasible to still do floor nursing with a fused ankle? Does anyone have ideas or suggestions for units or specialties that allow nurses to sit down more than we usually do working the floor? Thanks for your help! -Baby Arthritic Nurse