Trying to avoid being disabled, career advice.

[dthfytr, ADN, LPN, RN, EMT-B, EMT-I]

Always enjoyed being active, happy in the chaos of the ER. Then low back pain and fatigue got worse and worse. Am I the only nurse who never heard of "Polymyositis?" In short, the immmune system decides to have your skeletal muscles for lunch. Taking all kinds of meds to soothe the savage immune system.

58 years old, go back to school and I'd graduate in debt about to retire. Can't stand or walk any appreciable amont of time, no lifting, CPR is completely out. But you see, I've got all this knowledge and experience locked up in my head, and I just can't believe it's not worth something to someone.

Haven't found any tele-nursing positions in far, far West Texas. Don't know my limits yet, so I'd need to start part time and work from there. That's as far as I've gotten. I've inflicted my opinion on so many of you here that I thought I'd use your independent points of view to get some advice. I lived all over the country, but moving in my condition would be a challenge, and for now I have the support of my soldier/daughter here. Career suggestions? Especially crazy ideas!

[shoegazer]

do you like teaching? I was thinking hospital educator.

[bubblymom373]

So sorry to hear about your health problems. Maybe Home Health or private nursing would be good. A friend of mine works with people on vents who live at home. Good luck!

[Laboratorian]

Botox clinic nurse.

[dthfytr, ADN, LPN, RN, EMT-B, EMT-I]

If I had my way, hospital nursing educator is high on the list. The hospitals I've talked to all have the same attitude, "we don't need no sick people." Blanket policies like "we don't have lite duty work here unless you're workmans comp." Grrrrr. Thanks all.

[MurrR]

If I had my way, hospital nursing educator is high on the list. The hospitals I've talked to all have the same attitude, "we don't need no sick people." Blanket policies like "we don't have lite duty work here unless you're workmans comp." Grrrrr. Thanks all.

I can't believe this doesn't fall under the Americans with Disabilities Act! Very sad that they don't see the value of your knowledge and experience. To that end, is there a nursing school near you that could use a skilled classroom instructor?

[sugarmagnoliaRN]

I would say education or research!

[netglow, ASN, RN]

Triage for specialist

Case Management - does require walking but you can sit for length of time. Some facilites now want ER special case managers who manage ER to inpatient/surg/icu to take load off ER docs.

[HappydayRn]

I do telephonic triage for a clinic system, to avoid prolonged sitting you can always stand during calls or take walking around breaks. I found the job on craigslist believe it or not and I love it. I do zero lifting, no direct pt contact, having a lot of knowlege and experience would be very valuable in this position.

[suni, BSN, RN]

I can identify with you. I am also 58 and have just accepted a position as a nurse educator. My only hope is that it contines for several years so I can retire from the position. I start next week and am a little anxious. I also think if you want to take classes go ahead and do it for your degree. You may be surprised at the payback and the way the economy is going we will all be working till we die

[Bella'sMyBaby]

MDS Coordinator...Restorative Nurse...Managed Care Nurse...

Insurance Nurse working from home...

Medical Record coding (many are now working from home)...

[dthfytr, ADN, LPN, RN, EMT-B, EMT-I]

Appreciate all. Living off SS Disability right now which amounts to roughly 1/3 what I used to take home. I pay rent, health insurance, meds, car loan in that order. What's left is for auto gas, food, education and all those other luxuries. Kinda crimps my style a bit, but could be worse.