Nursing as a career
Nurses work shifts that are 8 or 12 hours. That time at work is spent standing, walking, bending, lifting or transferring people and objects. They must be able to move quickly and efficiently and move in tight spaces.
Nurses need to be able to lift and turn heavy patients without harming themselves or the patient. Nurses must be physically fit in order to be active throughout the workday. These activities can be a problem to anyone with leg, back, or feet problems. Anyone who has limited muscle strength or physical endurance may also have difficulties.
Nurses perform skills that require a high level of manual dexterity and coordination. Anyone with eye-hand co-ordination difficulties may have problems performing these tasks.
Nurses wash their hands frequently with antiseptic soaps and often wear latex/rubber gloves and use equipment that contains latex. Individuals who believe they have a latex allergy should be tested to determine if they are, in fact, allergic to latex. If so, nursing is a potentially hazardous profession.
Nurses give emotional support to others and work in stressful and anxiety producing situations. This may be a difficult for anyone with emotional or psychiatric problems or who has difficulty dealing with their own stress or anxiety.