Should even try for a nursing degree if can't stand long?

johnny depp23 · Dec 31, 2010

It's not that bad. You just gotta be able to stand for 12- 15 hours a day. But other than that- it rocks!!!!

Zookeeper3 · Dec 31, 2010

you would have to pass nursing school first, where you have 8 hr. clinicals, and sitting is not much of an option, you should be on your feet learning. Not trying to dissuade you, but possibly an LPN position where you can work in an office setting? But even in my own doc's office, those nurses aren't seen sitting much!

ocean waves · Dec 31, 2010

Hello. Sorry you are "not able to stand long". Do you have a disability? I agree with the writers who say that unfortunately clinical nursing training and most RN jobs usually involve a lot of walking (in fact, when most working nurses develop a physical condition which impairs their walking, employers usually take them off duty and require them to use sick time or short term disability time until they are fully recovered). One exception to this might be a goal of working in nursing research (however, as the poster said, prior to that you would still need to accomplish the walking involved in clinical training). Maybe it would be helpful to talk with nursing instructors at your desired university about other interesting career options in the health care field which might be a good "match" for you. Best wishes!

Dalzac, LPN, LVN, RN · Dec 31, 2010

Sorry, but not being able to stand for very long and moving all the time forced me into retirement. I have rheumatoid arthritis.

Otessa, BSN, RN · Dec 31, 2010

This sounds odd, but I can't stand for long lengths of time- is there any part of nursing field where I could find a job where it isn't walking/standing most of the job? or is it part of every nursing job? I didn't want to try for my nursing degree if it is an "impossiblle match"...thanks for any comments...:)

Clinicals may be a challenge unless you can prove a disability-that you can't stand long.

canesdukegirl, BSN, RN · Dec 31, 2010

OP, how long can you tolerate standing/walking? I joke with my husband because I have an allergy to gyms (cough cough), and I get most of my exercise at work. It is physically demanding. If you can wear TED hose, it helps a great deal.

tyvin, BSN, RN · Dec 31, 2010

I've read several articles with different nurses in wheelchairs; this is one. I know you're not in a wheelchair but these nurses who are show us all that nothing is impossible.

Nurses with a disability

DNS on the go · Dec 31, 2010

If you have difficulty standing, nursing is not for you. Even jobs that allow the nurse to sit are jobs that require many years of clinical experience and advanced education. Please, do your self a favor; Think about another career. Nursing requires physical staminia. Even nursing school clinicals are a challenge. Standing for 8 plus hours even our post clinical conference was done standing. As a nurse, even if you get 8 hour shifts, you can expect to be on your feet (moving about ) for 8-9 hours. Nursing is not for you.

ObtundedRN, BSN, RN · Dec 31, 2010

CRNA usually gets to sit for long periods since they are in the OR monitoring vitals and pushing meds. But that requires a few years experience as an ICU nurse prior to CRNA school. And ICU nurses stay on their feet a lot. Unless you could make it through a few years of painful standing?

Belle Epoque · Jan 1, 2011

Finding a desk job after several years experience probably won't be much of an issue, the problem is how you're going to survive the challenges up until that point - especially your clinical training which can be brutal. I would rethink the whole nursing thing.

canesdukegirl, BSN, RN · Jan 1, 2011

OP, I hate to discourage you if nursing is really what you want to do. What is the nature of your limitation?