Starting nursing school- concerned about limitations

[reina33]

I have been accepted into nursing school (ADN) and start in the fall. I just received the required physical form for my doctor to fill out and am getting nervous. Although she's said she thinks I'm healthy enough to be a nurse as long as I protect my neck, she's going to have to be very honest and I'm hoping it doesn't count against me.

Here are my issues - I have joint hypermobility syndrome which causes all my joints (but mostly shoulders, ankles and knees) to dislocate, sublaxate or hyperextend at any time. My connective tissue is weak and lax. Because of this, I have had my left ankle reconstructed and will likely undergo another surgery for peroneal tendon tears in the same ankle this summer before school starts. I have had surgery in my right knee (cartilage repair) - I have osteoarthritis in both knees and both ankles. I have Throracic Outlet Syndrome in my right arm which is what got me fired from my last job - it was an 8 hour a day desk job and my arm kept going numb because of all the time on the computer without taking enough ergonomical measures. I also have 4 herniations in my cervical vertebrae that are not bad enough for surgery but do cause intense muscle spasms when they are irritated. Last but not least, I have pelvic organ prolapse that I do not want surgically repaired. As I mentioned, my doctor has faith in me. I am 33, of normal weight, otherwise healthy and seeing a physiatrist to help me control my body to prevent involuntary hyperextension. I take narcotics as needed (but not daily) for joint pain and muscle relaxers as needed for muscle spasms. I am also on an antidepressant for the chronic pain.

I am not blind to the fact that my issues will cause me more problems as I get older - I am hoping to work clinically for enough time as it takes to get really good experience and then teach or do case management. I am also interested in psych nursing because years ago I worked as a psychiatric technician (basically a CNA on a psych ward) and enjoyed it. I am worried about school though. If I ask for any assistance or don't appear as strong as my classmates, is this going to ruin my career? What physical limitation should I be most worried about? I know the lifting is going to have to be done with help but what else should I be worried about? Should I be worried if my doctor is very honest on my physical that they will dump me from the program?

[silverbat]

Can't give medical advice here, per TOS, but I will say that nursing is a VERY physical field and that anything can and will happen to your body no matter how well prepared you are. Potentially you could be severly injured by the time it took you to obtain experience to go into one of the fields you mention. Not to mention, you could harm someone else if your joints dislocate at an inoppurtune time, such as taking care of a patient. Just sayin....

[reina33]

I am sorry, maybe I was being dramatic. I have never had anything go out on me to where it caused a problem. I carry my toddler around all the time and have never dropped her / never had any accidents that injure her but I do see what you're saying about keeping patient safety in mind. I am working with a physiatrist and she is helping me understand what I need to brace/support and how to move my body to have better propioception to reduce injury.

I also understand that I could be severely injured by the time I get enough experience. I guess I am willing to take that risk. I've wanted to enter health care for a very long time now and I'm not going to let "what might happen" stop me from taking risks and following my desires. But I appreciate your response, thank you.

[NICU Guy, BSN, RN]

Like the previous post said, nursing is a very physical profession. I would not hide anything from the school. They are responsible for you at clinicals. If something happens to you or patient gets injured because you failed to disclose pre-existing medical conditions they may no be too happy with you.

Americans are getting heavier every year. Transferring a 300 pound patient from wheelchair to bed is a major task. Turning the same patient in bed to change linen or bed bath would be a chore. There are countless different situations that are gong to require strength and rotation of your body to assist a patient. Give nursing school a try and see if you can do what is required of you.