What type of nursing can I do now?

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I have been a RN (BSN) for over 20 years. After working acute care (OR, house supervsor,charge, etc) I was hit by a truck and had to have metal rods put in my spine. They told me I'd likely never walk again,and for sure would never work. I specialized in Ortho and did lots of therapy at home-bottom line is that now I can walk just fine. I do take pain meds because of the residual pain, but just a couple tablets a day PRN. I need to help support my family. I worked as a legal nurse consultant,till the attorneys started hiring medical students to look at their medical records foro $25.00/hour.

What kinds of specialties areout there that I could do? All I can think of are wound care and infusion therapy, and I really don't want to do either of those.Any suggestions? I just signed up for this site today, hoping someone can give mesome ideas.

Thank you!

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Specializes in LTC, assisted living, med-surg, psych.

Welcome to Allnurses, Budzmom!! We're glad you joined us and hope you'll enjoy your membership for years to come.

Like you, I have some physical challenges that preclude floor nursing, as well as any other kind that requires bending, twisting, kneeling, or standing for long periods of time. But there are all sorts of nursing jobs for the older and/or 'differently-abled' nurse, especially one like you who has experience and has done something other than bedside.

You might want to consider:

Case management/discharge planning

MDS coordinator (long-term care)

Director of Nursing Services in an assisted living facility (that's what I do, and I love it!)

Utilization review

Insurance company nurse (reviews claims)

Telephone triage/Ask-A-Nurse

Occupational health

I'm sure there's more, but that should give you a start. :)

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Specializes in nursing education.

To the above, I would add ambulatory/outpatient/primary care clinic RN. Many of my co-nurses have similar levels of disability to what you have described. I have some back and joint problems too, and the mix of mostly sitting, some walking, and no lifting is perfect for some of us. Yes, welcome to AN. :)

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Specializes in Trauma, ER, ICU, CCU, PACU, GI, Cardiology, OR.

first of all, welcome to the an cite... i'm sorry for your unfortunate accident. however, with your vast experience you could be an asset to any facility. therefore, don't feel left out, as you can appreciate the previous posts gave you several great options to choose from. wishing you the very best in all of your future endeavors...aloha~

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Specializes in pediatrics, public health.

Since you have a BSN, you can also add public health nursing and school nursing to the list of suggestions.

Good luck!

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Sad to hear about your accident, but thankfully, nursing has different careers inside of nursing.

I always thought forensic nursing sounded cool! What about a nursing instructor or camp nurse over the summers.

I hope it all works out for you!!!! :)

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at my hospital we have a "diabetic educator", would something like that interest you? Have you ever thought of doing any teaching?

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