RN returning from medical leave....

Nurses Disabilities

Published

I've been on disability since July 14, 2007. I had acute pancreatitis, DKA and respiratory failure. I was in a coma and entubated for about 7 days. I had to learn to walk again and had a loss of stamina. I moved to Iowa from Oregon to recuperate close to family.

I was a floor nurse, I worked nights in an orthopedic unit. My doctor says I'll probably never be able to return to floor nursing. I still have trouble standing for long periods, but I'm doing pretty well, living independently, and not requiring a walker or cane. Sometimes I keep a cane in my truck for security, as I used to get pretty worn out. I thought perhaps I could transition into a number of things, such as care management, case management, psych, or something along those lines. I really want to get back to work. Living on long term disability is not my bag!

I'd still like to try to get into psych. I had thought about it before I got sick, but they (at the hospital I was working at) wanted someone with 5 solid years of psych experience, rather than one with occasional experience from working in the float pool.

To boil this down, I'm trying to get back to work, and trying to get into something I think I can do. Something I can physically do. Any ideas, suggestions or good advice? My computer's down at home, so I only can get online at the library 2-3 days a week, but I'll be looking for your responses.

Be well.

Susan in Iowa

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