nurses with disabilities

Nurses Disabilities

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Hi everyone, I am 25 years old and was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis about a year ago. For about 4 months I have been looking for a new job with no luck. Here is my dilema... I need a desk job. The MS makes my feet and legs numb all the time... and painful when I walk more than 15-20 minutes. The other problem is that I only worked on the floor as a nurse for a year and a half. Therefore, I haven't found a job that I qualify for at all! Everything requires 5 years experience, or other experience I just don't have. The medication I take is very expensive so insurance is a major factor, too. Any ideas? I live in Spartanburg, SC and can't travel far for work. Thanks for your help!

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In my local area, I see job postings for telephone triage nurses all the time, as well as nurses who work for insurance companies and other settings where they would be sitting down. Also, how about a school nurse? Just a couple ideas. I hope you find something in Spartanburg.

PS - Put your name in at a couple of employment agencies that regularly hire nurses. If they know what you're looking for, they'll call you when such a job comes in.

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Hi everyone, I am 25 years old and was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis about a year ago. For about 4 months I have been looking for a new job with no luck. Here is my dilema... I need a desk job. The MS makes my feet and legs numb all the time... and painful when I walk more than 15-20 minutes. The other problem is that I only worked on the floor as a nurse for a year and a half. Therefore, I haven't found a job that I qualify for at all! Everything requires 5 years experience, or other experience I just don't have. The medication I take is very expensive so insurance is a major factor, too. Any ideas? I live in Spartanburg, SC and can't travel far for work. Thanks for your help!

I hope you find something to fit your needs. I just had a colostomy done about a year ago and I have been accepted into LPN school. I called my doc today to schedule an appointment for the pre-entrance physical.....and guess what.....they have me down in my medical file as disabled!!!!!!!!!!! I told them I am no more disabled than they are!!!!! I hope they get this fixed! I am only 34 and I have a lot of life left in me as I am sure you do too! Good luck my friend and bless you...........you will find something!

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I know you are a nurse and are bombarded with people telling you homeopathy is ridiculous and a hoax or whatever, but ever since my brother was diagnosed with MS I have been doing a lot of research on the illness and treatments. I am particularly interested in bee venom therapy. If you are not allergic to bees this may help your symptoms. The worst part is getting over the pain of the sting (from what I have read). There is an amazing website called gilbertbees.com. This is one man's journal of using bee venom. He includes many other testimonials of how it has worked. As you know, it is something that would require ongoing treatment. I can assure you though that the cost is a fraction of the $16,000-$19,000 your current treatments cost. There are even some apitherapists that will sting for free. Once you learn the tricks of the trade you can order bees on line and do the treatment at home. It's amazing. One woman couldn't walk, started the bee venom and got herself up and walking again. It will improve your quality of life overall.

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Specializes in Rural - we do it all!!!.

One of the posters on this board who was in a postition of hiring revealed that the requirements listed for job postitions were more of a wish list by the employers.

So apply, list and highlight your strengths, and don't let the experience wanted for a position knock you out of even trying for a job.

What's the worst thing that will happen? They'll politely refuse you! But they may hire you based on your background and experience.

Best of Luck.

Lynn

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Specializes in Pediatrics, developmental disabilities.

I agree Lynn..... You can't hit a home run unless you swing!

Donna Maheady

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Specializes in ICU, oncology, home health, hospice.

I know your dilema!! I lost much of my hearing due to a catastrophic illness and now have to wear hearing aids. I was an ICU nurse and thought my career was over. NO!!! Get out there and tell prospective employers all of the wonderful things you have to offer!!! You just have to assert yourself and INSIST that you are going to work. Employers can't refuse to hire you if you are qualified just because you may have to be creative to do your job!!! I feel like I have made more of a contribution since I became disabled than I did before. I know you will find something to do that will be very rewarding. Look for Case Management, a clinic; etc. How about becoming a nursing instructor? We need someone to teach the next generation of nurses!!

GOOD LUCK!!!

Kim

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alot of hospitals do phone line consultation and advise to the general public. you may want to look into this and possibly be able to work from home. good luck/ God Bless/ Please think of the word disable. It doesn't mean unable. Yes you have limitations, we all do. I am happy to see you have the desire to continue in our field. :saint:

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contact the health departmen in the city. they might have public health nurse opening. i lost my hearing on my both ears and i am hard of hearing now. so i started working as TB case manager. and working out well for me.

so public health nurse is a option

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Specializes in L&D,surgery,med/surg,ER,alzheimers.
You can't hit a home run unless you swing!

Donna Maheady

I love that expression. I am sure I will use it at sometime in the future. Thanks!

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Specializes in Northern Nursing.

How about telehealth or research positions? I don't know what your finances are like, but you could try and get your masters and do your own research?

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