Safe to work ICU with osteoporosis?

[hopefullyhealing]

I took a year off from working in the ICU to have and recover from foot reconstruction surgery, related to multiple fractures that occurred over a 9-month period. The second set of fractures involved no trauma - I was simply walking (barefoot, on a pool deck) and my arch collapsed.

Since then, I had a bone scan that shows I'm osteopenic. Especially in my lower spine. Since I'm 45 (not surprising considering strong family history), I'm sure it'll turn into osteoporosis in the next 5-10 years as I hit menopause.

ICU has been my dream job since nursing school, but considering the frequent heavy lifting and twisting, all I can see in my future now is pain, damaged vertebrae and developing a hunchback. Or worse, injuring a patient by dropping them when I suffer an unexpected spontaneous fracture.

Am I overreacting in thinking it may be necessary to find a new specialty instead of returning to the ICU? If not, what specialties may use some of the same mental skills without the physical burden?

 

[Rose_Queen, BSN, MSN, RN]

I would strongly suggest a discussion with your healthcare provider. They would be best to guide you in what, if any, limitations they would recommend.

[Kitiger, RN]

Rose_Queen said:

I would strongly suggest a discussion with your healthcare provider. They would be best to guide you in what, if any, limitations they would recommend.

Also, your healthcare provider may choose to treat the osteopenia. 

[hopefullyhealing]

Provider's initial response was only to double my calcium/vitamin D supplement. She did not not respond to my patient portal question about activities to avoid/strengthening exercises. I have an appointment to see her for something unrelated at the end of next month and can press her for an answer then. It's hard being in limbo/recovery.

[Kitiger, RN]

hopefullyhealing said:

Provider's initial response was only to double my calcium/vitamin D supplement. She did not not respond to my patient portal question about activities to avoid/strengthening exercises. I have an appointment to see her for something unrelated at the end of next month and can press her for an answer then. It's hard being in limbo/recovery.

It is hard to be in limbo/recovery. I found out that I had osteopenia while I was taking a medical first responder class. I wasn't sure just how much lifting I was supposed to do. Fortunately, after I left a message for my physician, I received an answer before I got to the heavy lifting in the class.

I hope you get an answer soon.

[JBMmom, MSN, NP]

I can't really answer from your medical standpoint, but as someone who has been in ICU for a while, lifting limitations may be a problem at times, but *shouldn't* prevent you from working. I believe that things like OSHA indicate lifting should be limited to 50 pounds. Is that what really happens? No, but mostly because we don't take the time to use the proper equipment and resources. There should be lifts available for use with moving patients, and hopefully there are other staff members to help. Critical care is about MUCH more than lifting, but yes, it can be physically demanding. I hope you're able to get the care you need to help you reach your goals. 

[EOC, MSN, RN]

I agree. The ICU had many lifting devices available. It only takes a minute to put in place. 

Other areas that use ICU skills could be a CDS or clinical development specialist. They do a lot of audits and QI monitoring. An ICU clinician or educator would be a great alternative too. 

[hopefullyhealing]

Thank you for the suggestions. Unfortunately at the 2 hospitals I've worked at, the lifting equipment is often either broken or just not available (only a few ceiling lifts, but those rooms aren't kept available for larger patients. Maybe ICU will continue to be an option if I find a well-equipped facility.

I see my doctor next week, so hopefully will know about what to expect