by allergyqueen

Hello,

I am wondering if anyone has any advice on my situation. I am a RN with 28 years of experience. I worked in an OP surgical area most recently that was latex safe...no one used latex gloves. I was very fortunate to have the accomodations made so that I could work in this environment. I had to have surgery which was complicated by MRSA and had an open abdominal wound for 8months. I lost my job due to this (after devoting 23 yrs to this employer.) It took me 2 years to recover from multiple complications. I am also dealing with Rheumatoid Arthritis.I know that I can not return to a hospital job. My latex allergy is so severe that I have anaphylaxsis from being in an area that latex gloves are being used.

I am currently on disablility, but having trouble making ends meet financially. I want to work! I have some experience in telephone triage and worked in the past at home. I have not been successful in finding a position yet after 1 year of looking. At the age of 50 I am now considering a career change. Not what I want, but am at a loss for what to do. My background in nursing is OR/PACU, womens health, 1yr in home nursing and one yr in telephone triage.

I would appreciate any advice you may have and look forward to your responses.
Thank you

Re: Need advice, RN with severe latex allergy

Hi allergyqueen, I noticed no one has responded to your post yet. Just want to let you know I think it was awful how you were treated, especially after 23 years of dedicated service. Would love to know who your employer was, and wonder if you have some legal grounds there. Have you thought about Nursing Education? I am 54 and have been out of nursing 18 years, but am going back. There is a huge shortage in this area of practice. What about working in an Allergy Clinic? I, too, have latex allergy and have had 3 severe anapylactic reactions. So my choices are limited as well and I, too, would like to see what other nurses suggest. Hope you get some responses and good luck with your decision.