Sedentary Nursing Jobs

SWS RN, ASN, RN · Apr 2, 2010

I sort of had the same issues.

I worked for 15 years predominently PICU and ICU.

Have bilateral knee and hip replacements and my back is shot.

I do have a job now that is BEYOND sedentary! I am a case manager for an insurance company.

It is totaly phone and computer...you have to be an experienced nurse to work there-for the medical terms and expertise. We precertify medical procedures, surgery, hospital stays, HHC, DME, psych and you name it. We have to make sure that the clinical information justifies the procedure and then we authorize it for payment.

It is ok, usualy interesting but MY BEHIND IS NUMB.

I never thought I would say this, but I miss the floor at times...however, it's strictly 9-5, no call, no weekends, no manditory overtime and no holidays.

Look into something like this...jobs are around and with your background you should do well. Just be careful of what you wish for...you may just get it!

Good Luck

s

netglow, ASN, RN · Apr 2, 2010

Have heard recovery outpatient GI :up:

mustlovepoodles, RN · Apr 2, 2010

I worked in NICU and PICU for about 10-12 years then moved to telephonic nursing(peds only.) I really loved that and it's totally sedentary. Three years ago I went to school nursing. My first school(middle school) was not a good fit, but my current school is a match made in heaven. I'm not exactly sedentary but my day unfolds mostly predictably. Most days are fairly busy, but not crazy wild. Today was a little challenging--had to lobby a doc to get new insulin orders and every kid with asthma came to see me at least once(the pollen count is high.) Plus, my regular tube feeding and diabetic kids. But you know what was the craziest part of the day? A bird flew into the cafeteria and flew around, while the teachers tried to catch it. The kids were falling in the floor laughing! :clown: You know it's a small school when a bird is the biggest thing that's happened all week.

Otessa, BSN, RN · Apr 2, 2010

I work in Education/Professional Development-I do haul around equipment-computers, CPR dummies, ACLS equipment, etc.

I chose to walk away from bedside nursing because something else interested me AND I saw too many co-workers and friends 10-20 years longer in nursing than I was having to go on disability or have trouble working due to foot or back problems .

otessa

cookienay · Apr 2, 2010

A colleague of mine went to the nursery/NICU after her back was shot. Your patients (for the most part) weigh less than 10 pounds. She was not a "baby person" nor was she especially warm and nurturing- as she would tell you herself. But, she loves her work. would this interest you?

Southernurse · Apr 2, 2010

dthfytr....

i too have had my final back injury and just took my test to see the degree of disability i have. my md put me on "sedentary" work restriction, and i could not believe this happened to be a topic! unfortunately a sitting job in an office is not going to work for me. sitting is torture! i will be following this post, and i hope you continue to contribute to this....i can empathize with you!

mudd68 · Apr 2, 2010

We have 'admission' nurses. They basically ask the admission questions and do a brief assessment, i.e. making sure the pt isn't in distress, and take initial vs. It really helps us floor nurses because we don't have the extra time to be asking all the pt's about their religious beliefs or if they eat certain foods or not. Very important data nonetheless! :jester:

Kooky Korky, BSN, RN · Apr 2, 2010

How about becoming the DON or ADON, Staff Development, Educator, go into Psych maybe, or insurance company, telephone triage, or NICU/Newborn Nursery? If you have to cross train, though, it would not be good.

Ruthiegal · Apr 2, 2010

Another suggestion, Telephone Triage or advice nurse. I work for an Insurance Company who has their own department for 24/7 Nurse Help Line, we do triage for symptoms, education and low level disease management. It is interesting and you never know what will come your way! I've been doing this for almost 9 years now! All telephone and computer work. No heavy lifting!!

gr8rnpjt, RN · Apr 2, 2010

I too, am a case manager for an insurance company. After 15 years of commuting to the big city, I am now working from home. I was assaulted during my last pregnancy and have had back problems ever since. Working from home does the trick for me. I do yoga in the morning because stretching is the best thing for me. I am able to get up at least once an hour to stretch again and walk around. If I get a call my computer beeps and I can come back and answer.

I think working in managed care has been the best thing to happen to me. I paid my dues in bedside nursing for 10 years, then I hopped from one insurance company to another till I found this one: 20% of this company's workforce works from home. We do our training and teleconferences all online, so I never have to go in unless it is for computer upgrades.

Try yoga too. My 75 year old mother does yoga every morning and got me hooked. It gives you a whole new outlook on life!

guest2210 · Apr 2, 2010

I left bedside nursing 2 years ago and fell into EMR support. I can work when I want, where I want. Sometimes I'm on my feet for long stretches, but there are other aspects of this area that are more sedentary. Nursing INformatics in your area may be a good place to start. Often times the pay is better as well, if you connect with a good agency.