First Job Injury out of work - no heavy lifting leave/wait for transfer?

So I got an ICU position as my first job as an RN. I was extremely happy as I know how hard it is to find a first job. I had some issues with my back (herniated, bulging discs) but was seeing a physical therapist and it was manageable. My orientation was a long 6 month process. My pain was getting a lot worse over time.... it manifests as sciatic pain down my leg and was worrying me and my foot was going numb - therefore I went back to my doctor whom after telling me to take a week off/ get another MRI... then put me on lifting restrictions (20 lbs) but saying I can work.

I found out I have more slipped discs/ a "pars defect" making my lower back have more movement/ risk for more herniations. My doctor does not think the ICU/ a lifting environment is a healthy place for me with my back problems.... and the fact that "im small - 110 pounds) Now Human Resources/ Employee Health will not let me back to the ICU position even thought my doctor has approved me to work "with these restrictions" - and have basically told me I am a liability and it is difficult to place me, or transfer me to any unit as an RN due to these restrictions. I am now getting surgery, after trying multiple tries of neuro pain meds, steroid epidurals etc- its a lumbar microdiscectomy to take part of the disc away compressing my nerve causing me pain, which will cause me to be out of work about another 4 weeks..... I want to get back to work/get my experience as a new nurse, but feel as though Human resources is not making any efforts to find me a positions (even though legally they have too and I have constantly been asking what I can do to help)....I have been out of work now for 3 1/2 months. I have been getting some disability but they are wary as my doctor "says I can work" - but work is telling me to keep extended my leave of absense (while they "look for a suitable position").... after the surgery I am considering leaving the job and applying to other positions once recovered from the surgery. I am getting the feeling this one is just not meant to be and Human Resources would rather have me gone.

I am at a loss of what to do though, first what to do I tell a new employer about why I left so soon- without having to disclose health information which would make them bias? Also would it just be a bad idea altogether to leave? All I have is the 6 months ICU experience. I am just hoping after my surgery I wont have pain anymore- but that doesn't mean I'm still "at risk" (and more so than every other nurse) for hurting my back again. "Technically" I still work there so do I put on my resume I worked from last October to present or until I was out on leave of absense if I leave? Luckily I spoke with my manager who said she would be willing to give me a positive recommendation if need be and I needed to look for a job elsewhere.... I know other positions I will need to lift but I feel I have no other options... I have barely any experience and do not know what else to do. If anyone has any recommendations of places to go, units to be on, whether to stay or leave, and what to say at a following job interview- I would be greatly appreciated.
You should probably talk with an attorney VERY familiar with the law related to disability before you make a decision. Voluntarily resigning your position may eliminate some of your employer's obligations to you -- and limit some benefits you may be entitled. I suspect that it will be very difficult for you to find any bedside nursing job with your medical history, and you can't afford to walk away without getting every benefit to which you might be entitled.I also think you need to start exploring options away from the bedside and doing whatever you can do to prepare yourself for those types of roles. Until you actually land such a job, don't give up the one you have.

From the employer's perspective they have invested a huge amount of resources into your training. You do understand that they can't take on the liability of you being unable to be counted on for patient care needs exceeding 20 pounds.But it is what it is and I am sorry that you are ill. If at all possible, try to turn this into a win- win situation for you and the facility. Leaving your first nursing position after 6 months will be a red flag to future employers. Get the medical attention you need to begin healing. Then take a realistic look at your long term capabilities. Does your facility have positions such as telephone triage nurse or RN Care Managers? It may take some compromise to find an RN position that will not exceed your physical capabilities.

Yes they have lots of job options... which is why I don't really understand why they can't seem to find a transfer for me to Case Manager RN or even a possible clinic position. I would love to explore options away from the bedside... but just have no idea where or how to start with my limited experience