Too disabled to be NP

[CombatCJ]

I'm a BSN looking to get my NP. I love practicing so this really is the route I want but got injured on the job a few years back and have permanent physical limitations. Plus I was already hard of hearing. Schools are starting to tell me I don't meet the physical standards for the program. I'm devastated. I'm trying to get some options for myself and my future while doing what I love and I"m good at it! My employer won't even let me do a nursing related job anymore so I have no current experience (some schools require that as well). I'm just devastated and not sure what to do now. I know I know - I could do education or leadership or something that doesn't practice but then I may as well keep at the non-nursing (light duty offers) jobs I 'm allowed now. Could really use any advice as I'm just trying to digest this overwhelming news.

[CombatCJ]

I work for the federal govt aka they don't care regardless of what they say or promote as they don't answer to anyone.

Lots of good info here. Very appreciative. I'm still exploring options.

[Jewelsforme]

Whoa, the "G" word. No need to explain. I was raised in the military, married military and received "care" in military hospitals. We have a dear family member who was placed in a state hospital in the early 60s which has since been shut down due to all the nightmarish reports on patient mistreatment. I used to volunteer at local VA hospital in mid 70s. If they are so dysfunctional with their own vets, you might understand why you would have a better chance working at WalMart or McDonald's who would accommodate your disabilities rather than a government medical facility. Perhaps you could go into home care, telephone triage, or telephone case management for insurance companies or civilian hospitals. It's a BIG world out there and based on just my own life experience, I would get as far away from a government run anything. But that is a decision only you can arrive at on your own. Sending hugs.

[CombatCJ]

Yes. Working for the govt is an experience :). I love my country and really love my veteran patients. But the complexity and politics involved in the job are challenging. I'm still on work comp so not a good plan to leave right now but definitely considering my options all around.

[SHGR, MSN, RN, CNS]

I had a rotation with an FNP and found it to be intensely physical (I've had nursing-related back and neck issues too and have been working in a sedentary role). We did musculoskeletal exams, lots of lady partsl exams, feet exams, lots of running around with an intense pace, skin procedures that required bending and holding awkward positions. I could not imagine doing that full time with all the lifting and bending. I was hurting! This was of course just my personal experience.