Disabled RN

bargainhound, RN · May 3, 2003

Look into starting your own business. ...it does not have to be nursing, but your nursing knowledge will help you. There are options out there for very low start up cost. Pm if you want info I have. I am sure others have ideas also.

Flynurse · May 3, 2003

Hi MunsonNV! Welcome to Allnurses.com!

I was very interested in your thread. I don't know when this accident happened to you or even if are still trying to deal with the grief of the situation, but I'm glad you came to us. There is another nurse here on Allnurses who has a similar situation. Below is a thread she started. To send her a PM click on the PM icon at the bottom of her message.

https://allnurses.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=34216

I have no ideas for work situations for you, but I hope you find something.

All of my best to you!

CseMgr1, ASN, RN · May 3, 2003

Try Case Management: http://www.ccmcertification.org/

Disablednurse · May 3, 2003

Munson, I am disabled also. I have been told by my MDs that I can never work in nursing again. I had a pinched nerve and would not take off work to see about it, and it caused permanent nerve damage. I am having so much trouble getting disability, hava a lawyer, but have been turned down by disability. They agree that I am disabled but because I am young (46), and am an RN then I should be able to get something. I can not sit longer than 20 min. walk further than 10 feet or stand longer than 3 to 5 min without severe pain. Laying down also hurts, but is the most comfortable position. I am in constant pain. There is no where that will hire a nurse unless she is able to walk, sit, stand, lift, etc. Please feel free to PM me at any time.

mattsmom81 · May 4, 2003

Have you contacted your state rehab association affiliated with disabilities? I have heard of cases where nurses were assisted in returning to college for advance degrees so they can pursue another title...ie social worker, educator, business manager, etc.

Facilities see us as a risk after we're injured and it is very difficult to get back to work.

I know of an injured nurse in Fla who was not allowed to continue her CM job due to ridiculous job descriptions including heavy lifting.(they use the same silly generic job descriptions) The state financed her BSW! Once she was a social worker it was no problemo....she returned to much the same work

(((HUGS))) and hope you find what you need...think of yourself as 'the Phoenix'. :)

mercykitten · May 4, 2003

Munson, and DN, many of our fellow nurses become disabled every year. For some it is in an unfortunate accident (which night shift and long hours have proven to be a factor), an incident at work or part of the aging process.

There are several threads which have previously been started on this issue. But it is a good one to continue.

I speak from personal experience. I still work at a hospital but not as a nurse and took a big pay cut just to have a job. I have received virtually no support from my hospital to get another position that would use my skills. I am a seasoned nurse with more than 15 yrs experience, my BSN and ACLS. But my hospital won't even let me work in the nursery because of a 50 lbs. lifting requirement. I haven't seen too many 50 lbs. babies, have you?

Anyway, I just wanted to let you know that many people are with you. We have been there and still are there. Many of us still have to deal with a significant amount of pain.

Hang in there! We care about you. :kiss

nessa1982 · May 4, 2003

Maybe you could be a nursing instructor. They are always looking for good instructors and some I know only have an BSN (vs MSN) this would be especially good with your years of experience :)

mattsmom81 · May 4, 2003

Regarding the instructor option..many career colleges hire RN's (even those without BSN's) to teach LPN's, MA's, and CNA's.

I have heard through the grapevine that a BSN can often work as adjunct status nursing instructors at universities, too. One can even work on their Masters while teaching part time. :)

Don't forget to network with all your nurse colleagues...they may 'know somebody who knows somebody' who can give you a lead, an idea or an inspiration.

I was fortunate by the grace of God to be able to go back to ICU part time following a MVA and 1 1/2 years off...but it was a long, tough road to get there.

Hang in there! :)

Disablednurse · May 4, 2003

I am never going to give up hope and will keep my license current, even though the doctors have given me no hope of ever being able to return to nursing. My doctor told me to actively pursue getting disability and he would help me any way he could because there are no jobs that will allow you to rest in bed after 20 minutes of being up to relieve the pain or one that you can take pain meds like I am on.

millionstars · May 5, 2003

Try legal nursing. My friend is a legal nurse. She is a LPN with only long term care experience. She just started calling lawyers and telling them they needed her service. She did not get any legal cert. She has been to several seminars and they said those cert. are useless. The lawyers will help you. She charges $35.00 an hour. This is cheap. The only draw back is you get paid when the lawyers get paid. Right now she has 27 cases going. She works for several lawyers. She even works from her home with a 2 and 4 year old. Get together a resume and some business cards and start calling. Market your skills. Good Luck.

mattsmom81 · May 5, 2003

(((HUGS))) I pray you can get your pain under control, number 1.

Number 2, I pray you will heal enough so you can enjoy your life and find something rewarding for yourself, be it hobbies, volunteer work, or career.

PM me if you ever want to talk. 3 years ago I was where you are.