General Forums >> Ask A Nurse >> Back problems as a surgical tech or nurse.
Back problems as a surgical tech or nurse.
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Posted over 1 year ago Hello, so i have been really debating on what career path i want to take. I was very close to signing up for surgical tech an a vocational school, until the adviser made some comments about my back problems maybe being a problem. Let me give a backround of my situation. I have a Herniated disc in my Lumbar spine, along with arthritis in that same disc. I am currently dependant on Pain meds I may get surgery eventually (Im only 22 years old). What i want to know is. Would standng in one place in a OR for 6+ hours be harder on my back,or being a nurse running round the hospital, with maybe some oppurtunities to sit(could be wrong, i dont know). being on my feet for along time does hurt my back alot, but unfortunantly If i want a good career im gonna have to be on my feet anyway.(i dont wanna work behind a desk/computer)
I would really appreciate the input to make my decision. I also still lean twords scrub tech because its a 13 month program compared to 2 years pre-reqs then a LOOONG(1-2 years) waiting list then another 2 years nursing program, |
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| Posted over 1 year ago Slimyslipnot, Hiya, So I had to think about this before responding.. I think that this should be a decision between your doctor and yourself, especially if you are on pain meds. I have a bad back also. I was hit by an ambulance, in 1989. I've had thoracic,\- lumbo- surgery and also need cervical repair. Even, though it's been so many years ago, I still have trouble with it. I worked in the ER for 20 years, then taught nursing for 16 years.. Now I teach advanced life saving techniques..The point is, depending on the severity of the pain, it has to be what you are able to put up with. I know there are some days that I can't get out of bed, but through the years, you get to a point where you learn what is OK, and what is not. I want to wish you the very best of luck in your choice of careers and may God Bless you in your future endeavors... Please keep us posted. Teresa |
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| Posted over 1 year ago Thank you for the response. another question i have, and this could play a big role in my decision.. Is there any rules about working in the OR as a surgical tech or Nurse, While on Pain meds such as morphine and Oxy, If they are perscribed? |
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| Posted over 1 year ago Again, that will be something that you have to take up with your place of education and employment.. As you know, those are very powerful narcotics and even though they are prescribed, they may have an issue with that..Please keep us posted.. Teresa |
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| Posted over 1 year ago You cannot work in the OR as a surgical technologist on pain medications of the type you are describing. It does not matter if the medications are prescribed. When you are on meds like morphine you are considered to be under the influence and your judgement may hindered or impaired. If you work in the OR under the influence of Morphine or Oxy and an incident occurs there will be an incident report and a full follow up. The end result can range from probationary status to criminal penalties depending on the severity of the incident. Failure to disclose the use of controlled substances will almost certainly result in dismissal at the very least. |
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| Posted over 1 year ago Txdomartin1, thank you for your comment...Teresa |
