Can't do patient care anymore! Help!

I hurt my back at work. Workmans comp and the hospital has been wonderful. I am finally back 4 hrs/day on light duty and going through a "work hardening" program. I had back surgery for a herniated disk L5-S1. I still have a ruptured disk at L4-L5. Because of this my weight limit is 20lbs. Forever. According to my surgeon, my physical therapist, and my occupational therapist I need to get away from pt care and seek a desk job. I am having a REALLY hard time with this. I am in denial and want to go back to pt care. Any suggestions from anyone who has been through this? I have lots of experience in OR, ER, Infusion, Orthopedics, Heart Clinic and general floor nursing. I was the Manager of OR and ER and I did not like being management! Is that where I am heading? Oh Boy. Thanks, Regina
If you hate management, what about nursing education? You could still have pt care contact, but would be teaching others, not as much physical strain on you.
rf,So sorry to hear of your struggles - and your antipathy toward a "desk job". However, it may broaden your horizons if you think of looking for a "non lifting" job instead. Sounds like your employer has been fair with you and working with you to get back to a functional status. Did you inquire about non patient care jobs in related areas like Quality, patient education or Staff Development? I just heard of a neat new type of nursing position called "Nurse Navigator" - who helps patients and their families find their way around the scary world of cancer care. There are a lot of opportunities out there if you want to stay in a hospital setting. The 'civilian world' offers a world of opportunity also.Unfortunately, a lot of these jobs will not be at the same salary level as a bedside nurse - so prepare for a pay cut .Hey, did you explore applying for disability status yet? You really should - even a decision of "20% disability" would provide you with a monthly check to supplement your (probably) reduced income.
I have had a back injury at work. I am sorry to hear about your injury. But the most important piece of advice I can give you is in reference to this quote:I am having a REALLY hard time with this. I am in denial and want to go back to pt care.
Can you be an OR circulator?
Thankl you for all your great comments and advice. I really appreciate it. I see my neurosurgeon on wed and we'll see what she says. She has released me for full time/full duty work on Nov 1st, but the occupational therapist and the physical therapist at work hardening are both questioning this. She does listen to them, so I don't know what will happen. I am going to bring up the subject of partial permanent disability since I am no where near where I was before I got hurt. I am very active. 2 summers ago my husband and I hiked 400 miles of the Pacific Crest Trail. Now I can't even do a 20 minute day hike not to mention a 10 hour nursing shift. Thanks again~Regina