scoliosis-lifting

General E. Speaking, RN, RN · Feb 14, 2005

Hello,
I want to be a RN, but I have scoliosis and I'm not recommended to lift heavy things (I can do it in case of emergency but it hurts my back). I read on a nursing school's web site that all students must be able to lift 25 pounds from floor to table. Does it mean that I won't be accepted to the nursing school because of my health problem even if I meet all other requirements? thank you.

hmmm. good question. In a hospital/nursing home there is a lot of lifting. While there are nursing jobs that don't require lifting, I'm not sure how you would get around the original requirement.

leslie :-D · Feb 14, 2005

if you haven't had the surgery for scoliosis, then i don't understand the limitations of lifting.

if you HAVE had the surgery, then they don't want to see that curvature slip.

you might want to call you doctor and ask for the rationale.

leslie

bellarosa · Feb 14, 2005

I'm currently in nursing school and I have Harrington rods for scoliosis. I haven't found that lifting has been a problem because I can usually find someone to help. Everyone should be concerned about their back, not just those of us with scoliosis.

What has been hard for me is being on my feet for 12 hours- but I'm determined. Good luck to you!

SophieMae · Feb 14, 2005

I have had scoliosis for over 40 years........I became a CNA but could not raise my two children on those wages so I went into construction. I have three curves......I was a paver, mason tender, dug ditches, etc. Sometimes I overdue and cant stand up right for days, sometimes I have been bedridden for weeks. But I will not stop, nor should you.

You dont need surgery to be limited, I dont understand that statement made here but you are limited. But, make your own limits, dont let anyone tell you what you can or can not do.

And if you need to lift 25# to get into nursing school.......practice. Start with a milk jug filled with water. Put it on the floor and raise it to table height and increase as time goes on. But remember, especially those of us with this horrible painful interruption, lift with your legs. If you lift the milk jug and you dont feel it in your thighs........you are not lifting correctly.

FYI: There is a technique when doing heavy lifting that really really works.....you and co-workers can help each other with this one. It really saves the back.

When you are lifting a pt., get someone to double up their fist and press in the small of your back. This sounds so simple but it works.....dont let this keep you from being a nurse. Remember.......practice and use those thighs.

rebeccainlv · Feb 15, 2005

I have thoracic and lumbar curves over 40 degrees each (and still increasing), as well as a herniated disk at L5-S1, and degenerative disk disease. I have not had surgery for either condition yet.

I have limitations and know what they are and I adhere to what I know I can and can't do.

I lift weights at the gym and I'm very careful. I am physically fit and that helps keep my body stable and strong.

I never lift a patient to move up in bed or if a large patient, even log roll them to one side, without assistance. No one should be doing that. I make sure to have the bed raised as far up as I need it so that I don't lean too far over the bed or have to bend down to reach the patient. 1 minute of bad body mechanics sends my back into spasms.

I wear good Nurse Mate shoes, too.

I've had wonderful results from an acupuncture doctor for my muscle spams and herniated disk pain. I also have a therapeutic massage every time I have acupuncture treatment.

As far as nursing school, I did not list either condition on my physical form since I am able to do everything that I need to do within reason. My pain is none of their business.

tonicareer · Feb 15, 2005

I have thoracic and lumbar curves over 40 degrees each (and still increasing), as well as a herniated disk at L5-S1, and degenerative disk disease. I have not had surgery for either condition yet.
I have limitations and know what they are and I adhere to what I know I can and can't do.
I lift weights at the gym and I'm very careful. I am physically fit and that helps keep my body stable and strong.
I never lift a patient to move up in bed or if a large patient, even log roll them to one side, without assistance. No one should be doing that. I make sure to have the bed raised as far up as I need it so that I don't lean too far over the bed or have to bend down to reach the patient. 1 minute of bad body mechanics sends my back into spasms.
I wear good Nurse Mate shoes, too.
I've had wonderful results from an acupuncture doctor for my muscle spams and herniated disk pain. I also have a therapeutic massage every time I have acupuncture treatment.
As far as nursing school, I did not list either condition on my physical form since I am able to do everything that I need to do within reason. My pain is none of their business.

In my state it is lifting minimum of 50 pounds repetively and push pull 200 (sometimes more). The schools here are very strict about this requirement.

rebeccainlv · Feb 15, 2005

I don't know of any requirements in Nevada. But, in the hospital employee info package it is highly discouraged to lift anyone or anything heavy by yourself.

Noone has ever complained or has quoted a lifting requirement when I ask for help. The older nurses always say how smart it is to have help and they wish they had taken care of their backs years ago.

I wouldn't think that the schools would actually test someone to see how much they can lift or pull. I would say to slowly starting lifting weights and 50 lbs will be no problem if you use proper lifting mechanics. Strong legs are key, too.

Squats and leg presses do wonders...and you get a tight round butt in the process.