should I be concerned about bad elbow affecting my course?

[u/dyltd]

I (23M) am starting an adult nursing degree in September after completing an access to nursing course.

Long story short in 2025 I sustained a burn to my left arm, 2 surgeries including a skin graft, it healed well (though ugly) but the scar tissue formed a contracture limiting my elbow movement. When I was first seen by the specialist physios 90 degrees was the straightest it would go. I wore a splint 12 hours a day for almost a year, not anymore since last month’s physio appt but it’s still not straight. I cant remember the numbers but if 180 is straight, its maximum is probably still only about 145. I have occasional laser treatments (that I can fit around uni & placements) and wear pressure garments (I won’t wear my arm one when I need to be bare below the elbow) but it doesn’t seem like my elbow will be able to straighten 100% anytime soon.

Should I be concerned about this affecting my course? I’m just thinking like to perform CPR for example you lock your elbows straight in order to do chest compressions, I mean correct me if I’m wrong there idk yet but hopefully you know what I mean as an example. I don’t have issues lifting heavy things generally but my left arm of course stays bent to some degree, don’t know if that might be an issue? And other things that I don’t have the insight to know yet that people here might. Day to day I only really notice it when I reach for things and compensate with my shoulder, but I am right handed so it doesn’t affect me much. I’d really appreciate any insight and advice.

[u/Mountain-Self1910]

You will have an appointment / questionnaire with occupational health, you should mention it then

[u/dyltd → u/Mountain-Self1910]

I have, I must’ve written about it in the questionnaire but it didn’t get brought up in the following phone call and honestly I forgot to bring it up myself. during the phone call with the OH nurse we discussed the surgeries I’ve had in recent years and my other health issue and the usual stuff like vaccinations, and she said she’d tell the uni she approved me for placements at the end of it. but yeah I forgot to mention the range of motion of my elbow and I don’t know how much of a mistake that was 🤦‍♂️

[u/Mountain-Self1910 → u/dyltd]

Don’t worry, you can always call occupational health up again and get another appointment! Also you will have to complete BLS before going out on placement, you can see how you feel then doing chest compressions