Saying goodbye to nursing

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My situation is this: I graduated from an LPN program in 2012, started my first nursing job and a bridge program, and 3 weeks later my back literally gave out. I haven't worked in nursing since then. I had a spinal fusion, shoulder surgery, foot surgery, and need two more.

How does one say goodbye to their dream of being a nurse just because your body betrayed you? I breezed through school, it was easy for me, I finally found my calling...and now I don't feel like I will ever be able to practice again (which i won't unless I get my practice hour in to keep my license).

Where does one go from here? Has anyone found a nursing job that wasn't physical and no previous experience was needed? I tried for medical office positions but had no luck due to lack of experience.

Is it time to give up? I have a business degree that I could put in use I guess but my heart is not in it at all.

I know it's a bit of a rant, but I have a decision to make....Stay in my current state and keep hoping that it will work out or move to the other coast, so my husband's career can grow...and I can use all the help in the world.

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Specializes in Medical-Surgical/Float Pool/Stepdown.

You may find more opportunities for both you and your husband if you move...Is fight tooth and nail to keep my license though, what about placing it in inactive status?

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Knew someone with a debilitating physical illness who remained in nursing by working a phone nurse job. Difficult to start out in, but worth the effort before you hang it up. There are also insurance phone type jobs requiring a nursing license. Also advise you to keep your license in an inactive status as you don't know what is around the corner.

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Specializes in Case mgmt., rehab, (CRRN), LTC & psych.

Some insurance companies utilize LPNs/LVNs as telephonic nurse case managers. This role is sedentary and will not require any physicality other than plopping your booty into a chair and repeatedly placing phone calls.

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Specializes in hospice, LTC, public health, occupational health.
Some insurance companies utilize LPNs/LVNs as telephonic nurse case managers. This role is sedentary and will not require any physicality other than plopping your booty into a chair and repeatedly placing phone calls.

Problem being that those jobs require experience, and 3 weeks isn't going to cut it. I think moving for your husband's job is your best bet right now, and keep working on your health.

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You are in a tough position, if you have a back problem, sitting at a desk job isn't going to help you anyway. Keep trying for various jobs, not all will require experience. I found that being persistent when looking for work pays off. Don't give up on what you love to do

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