Other OT-Related Information OT and lifting restrictions (no more than ~30 lbs)

[deleted1006124]

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I am missing some lymph nodes in my dominant arm and really shouldn't lift more than 30ish pounds, especially repetitively. I had wanted to be an RN forever. I tried the CNA class a few years ago. I liked it but when I got to clinicals, it just wasn't happening for me because of patient transfers and my lifting restrictions. So, that put an end to my nursing dreams.

I volunteer in the PICU at a big, freestanding children's hospital. I run into all sorts of different medical personnel there and am becoming more and more interested in OT.

I LOVE peds patients and envision myself doing pediatric OT.


Some questions:

1. Can you tell me a little more about lifting as it pertains to early intervention and outpatient pediatric OT? If it is mostly younger children, that's fine. I used to volunteer at church pre-school and was fine to be lifting 3 year olds for hours at a time. I just can't be lifting teens that are the size of adults and minimally mobile all day.

2. I worry about making it through school; I don't want a repeat of what happened to me with the CNA class where I had to drop out because it just wasn't happening with my hand/arm. Is it reasonable to request lifting accommodations for clinicals during an OT master's program? I would need to call the patient's nurse to do the lifting/patient transfers for me on inpatient rotations. Is this a reasonable accommodation?

Thanks for reading and take care!

 

[Nfzavala]

I think, calling a prospective school, of your concerns is the best way to go. They can definitely tell you their requirements/limitations. Best of luck!

 

[deleted480308]

I am missing some lymph nodes in my dominant arm and really shouldn't lift more than 30ish pounds, especially repetitively. I had wanted to be an RN forever. I tried the CNA class a few years ago. I liked it but when I got to clinicals, it just wasn't happening for me because of patient transfers and my lifting restrictions. So, that put an end to my nursing dreams.

I volunteer in the PICU at a big, freestanding children's hospital. I run into all sorts of different medical personnel there and am becoming more and more interested in OT.

I LOVE peds patients and envision myself doing pediatric OT.


Some questions:

1. Can you tell me a little more about lifting as it pertains to early intervention and outpatient pediatric OT? If it is mostly younger children, that's fine. I used to volunteer at church pre-school and was fine to be lifting 3 year olds for hours at a time. I just can't be lifting teens that are the size of adults and minimally mobile all day.

2. I worry about making it through school; I don't want a repeat of what happened to me with the CNA class where I had to drop out because it just wasn't happening with my hand/arm. Is it reasonable to request lifting accommodations for clinicals during an OT master's program? I would need to call the patient's nurse to do the lifting/patient transfers for me on inpatient rotations. Is this a reasonable accommodation?

Thanks for reading and take care!

It’s more than training though...are you going to need help with your employer too?

Can you physically do this job?

 

[AustinOT]

While I don't know of anyone in my program with physical restrictions, I would think that most programs would be willing to accommodate. I recently listened to a podcast about an OT with a spinal cord injury, and she discussed how her school made accommodations for her since she was unable to transfer patients (On the Air, episode 16). I also have an OT professor who uses a wheelchair and is still able to practice. I feel like it may restrict which settings you're able to work in to some extent, but I don't think it will affect your ability to become an OT.

 

[deleted1006124]

Thanks for your help! 🙂 I really appreciate it!

 

[Babybluentexas]

Everyone in our program has had to learn to do transfers.. they also make us sign a medical form which states we must be in good health to do those things to enter the program.