Breaking the Silence: Why Talking About Nurses with Chronic Pain Matters

Hey fRNds! Mel here with some exciting news to share - I recently had the incredible opportunity to be a guest on the Nurse Converse Podcast to discuss a topic very close to my heart: navigating chronic pain as a bedside nurse.

As many of you know, my own journey with chronic pain following a back injury significantly changed my nursing career path and ultimately led to the creation of Mel's Crafty Corner. That's why when I was invited to share my experience on this podcast, I knew I had to say yes. This conversation is so important, yet so often overlooked in our profession.

Why This Conversation Matters

The article accompanying the podcast on Nurse.org titled "Nurse in Pain: Navigating Chronic Pain at the Bedside" highlights a reality that many of us face but few discuss openly: nurses are among the top professions at risk for musculoskeletal injuries, with nearly half of all healthcare workers reporting some form of chronic pain.

Throughout my nursing career, I frequently heard the phrase "nurses make the worst patients." There's this unspoken expectation that we should just push through any discomfort without "complaining." But this mindset doesn't serve us or our patients, and it's time we change the narrative.

My Personal Journey with Pain

In the podcast episode, I open up about my experience transferring a total care patient without proper equipment in place - the moment that began my chronic pain journey. What followed was not just physical pain, but an emotional journey through:

• Restrictions on my ability to do the job I loved
• The mental toll of constant discomfort
• Navigating a healthcare system as a provider-turned-patient
• Finding purpose beyond the pain

What I didn't anticipate was how sharing this vulnerable part of my story would resonate with so many other healthcare professionals facing similar challenges in silence.

The Reality of Pain in Nursing

The article accompanying the podcast shares some sobering statistics. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, Registered Nurses rank among the top 10 professions at risk for musculoskeletal injuries. Common risk factors include:

• Heavy physical work or static postures
• Lifting and forceful movements
• Pushing and pulling motions
• Bending and twisting of the trunk

These everyday nursing activities can lead to injuries that change our careers and lives. My story is just one among thousands, but I hope that by sharing it, others will feel less alone.

Breaking the Stigma - It's Okay to Ask for Help

One of the most important messages I wanted to convey in this podcast was that asking for help is a sign of strength, not weakness. As nurses, we're conditioned to be caregivers, not care receivers. We face barriers to seeking help that include:

• Demanding work schedules
• Cost of treatment
• Availability of services
• And most significantly - guilt and the pressure to "push through"

But I've learned firsthand that advocating for yourself is just as important as advocating for your patients. Your pain matters. Your wellbeing matters. And sometimes, asking for help is the bravest thing you can do.

Practical Tips for Nurses with Chronic Pain

In both the article and podcast, I share some strategies that have helped me navigate chronic pain:

While Clocked In:

• Learn proper ergonomic techniques
• Pace yourself and delegate when possible
• Communicate openly with your management team

When Clocked Out:

• Prioritize self-care habits like physical therapy exercises
• Practice mindfulness to stay present
• Find activities that bring you joy beyond work

While everyone's journey with chronic pain is unique, finding what works for you through trial and error is key. The most important thing is to not give up on seeking relief.

Finding Strength in Community

Perhaps the greatest lesson from my pain journey has been the power of community. Connecting with others who understand what you're going through can be incredibly healing. Whether through support groups, trusted colleagues, or online communities of fellow nurses, you don't have to face these challenges alone.

That's actually one of the reasons I'm so passionate about building the MCC community - to create a space where nurses feel seen, heard, and supported through all of life's challenges, including chronic pain.

Listen to the Full Podcast

If you're dealing with chronic pain as a healthcare worker, or if you know someone who is, I encourage you to listen to the full podcast episode. We dive deeper into these topics and share more personal insights and practical advice.

Read the Full Article on Nurse.org

I'm so grateful for the opportunity to share this part of my story and hopefully help others who are walking a similar path. Remember: you are not a burden, your pain does not define you, and you deserve all the care and compassion that this beautiful life has to offer.

Work hard. Look good. Find joy. 💕

~ Mel

P.S. If you're navigating chronic pain as a healthcare worker, I'd love to hear from you in the comments. What strategies have helped you? What challenges are you facing? Let's keep this important conversation going.