When to say "When"?

Nurses Disabilities

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Specializes in Care Coordination, MDS, med-surg, Peds.

At what point does one know when the time has come to say 'When",and move out of nursing due to disease processes?

I am thinking that with all my arthritis, asthma and Meniere's disease that the time is approaching that I will no longer be able to be a floor nurse. My current job is primarily a desk job, but does require some floor/charge nurse shifts at irregular times. Thise floor nurse shifts nearly do me in. It take 2-3 days to recover from one shift.

I am worried about taking year off to even try to obtain disability (SSDI). I just flat out cant afford it. Even then, it is no guarantee that disability will be approved, so then it may be a much longer time.

I am discouraged right now with my job, with my medical conditions and with the economy/insurance issues we face, that will not allow me to "just quit, take a year off and apply for disability".

Does anyone know if it is true that one HAS to be off work for one year before applying?

ugh... I sound whiny.. don't intend to.......:wacky:

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Specializes in LTC, assisted living, med-surg, psych.

(((HUGS)))

I don't know the why's and wherefore's of getting on SSDI, only that it's very difficult and most people are denied the first time they apply. I hope some others here will weigh in and give you some more practical information; in the meantime, know that you have my support and understanding. I reached that point-of-no-return last summer and retired from clinical nursing at the end of 2013.

But even though my current job isn't working out, I don't regret trying it, and I REALLY don't regret leaving nursing per se. Not sure what I'll do next, but it'll probably be in healthcare because that's what I know. Look around; see what's out there for the 'seasoned' nurse who can't run the floors anymore but still has a lot to offer. I'll bet you find something good. :yes:

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You only have to be off work 3 months to apply. You can apply online too. I finally broke down to have a hip replacement, the time I was off with paid leave counted to the wait period. I was approved first try.

http://ssdfacts.com/forum/index.php?action=forum

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Specializes in Care Coordination, MDS, med-surg, Peds.

Thank you Viva, for your support!!! I am sorry your new job isn't working out.

Sheri_w. Thank you, I will check out the site you sent!

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Good luck mds1. I hope it works out for you.

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Specializes in Critical Care, ED, Cath lab, CTPAC,Trauma.

My advice. Get a SSDI lawyer. They cost nothing up front their fee is based off of your initial settlement at a flat rate. If you are looking for Long term SSDI you will have some different requirements than being disabled for a hip surgery

The definition of disability under Social Security is different than other programs. Social Security pays only for total disability. No benefits are payable for partial disability or for short-term disability.

"Disability" under Social Security is based on your inability to work. We consider you disabled under Social Security rules if:

  • You cannot do work that you did before;
  • We decide that you cannot adjust to other work because of your medical condition(s); and
  • Your disability has lasted or is expected to last for at least one year or to result in death.

If you are working in 2014 and your earnings average more than $1,070 a month, you generally cannot be considered disabled.

Your condition must interfere with basic work-related activities for your claim to be considered. If it does not, we will find that you are not disabled.

For each of the major body systems, we maintain a list of medical conditions that are so severe they automatically mean that you are disabled. If your condition is not on the list, we have to decide if it is of equal severity to a medical condition that is on the list.

Note: We have two initiatives designed to expedite our processing of new disability claims:

  • Compassionate Allowances: Certain cases that usually qualify for disability can be allowed as soon as the diagnosis is confirmed. Examples include acute leukemia, Lou Gehrig’s disease (ALS) and pancreatic cancer.
  • Quick Disability Determinations: We use sophisticated computer screening to identify cases with a high probability of allowance

If your condition is severe but not at the same or equal level of severity as a medical condition on the list, then we must determine if it interferes with your ability to do the work you did previously

If you cannot do the work you did in the past, we see if you are able to adjust to other work.

We consider your medical conditions and your age, education, past work experience and any transferable skills you may have. If you cannot adjust to other work, your claim will be approved.

Disability Planner: How We Decide If You Are Disabled

A SSDI lawyer is very helpful on oranizing your claim (which is may pages upon pages of information. Organizing the MD's and statements. Filling out the paper work, having contacts at the SSDI office to get your application to the right people.

Initial claims without a lawyer are automatically denied at a rate (admitted by SSDI) of 60%.

I had a qualifying Compassionate allowance and I got SSDI...once I got a lawyer in 4 months....retro active 2 years minus 6 months. (the 6 months deduction is automatic/standard from the SSDI)

It is a financial hardship.

My suggestions.

Be sure you have worked enough to qualify. Refinance your home to the lowest mortgage rate you can... Make your payments as low as possible. Get and insurance policies necessary including PMI on your home/mortgage. Pay off what you can. Get your ducks in a row. I didn't have that opportunity my illness was "sudden" and severe.

You will qualify for Medicare after 2 years on disability

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Specializes in Eventually Midwifery.

Get a good lawyer and consult before you make any decisions

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Specializes in Care Coordination, MDS, med-surg, Peds.

thank you al for your comments and support. Esme.. thank you for the references. EXTREMELY helpful. Guess I will need to find a good lawyer!!!

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Specializes in Critical Care, ED, Cath lab, CTPAC,Trauma.

I found a local disability lawyer in a local magazine in the paper. She was so worth looking for. I couldn't have done it without her.

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Specializes in pediatrics; PICU; NICU.

I was on SSDI from 1994-2004. My disability was due to agoraphobia. I was unable to leave my home at all for more than 3 years. When I applied, I did not have a lawyer but I did get approved on my first try.

After about 4 years I started doing some private duty shifts here & there. By 2003 I'd gone through enough therapy that I thought I could probably handle a full time job again. I ended up getting a full time NICU job in 2004 & was able to get off disability. My current psychiatrist told me she's never known anyone else who's been able to get off disability once they got it.

There are jobs in nursing that don't require the physical stamina that seems to be a problem for you. I came to the conclusion in 2007 that I just can't do hospital nursing any more. I can't be on my feet for 12 hours running up & down the halls. I now do full time private duty Peds home care. I love it! There's a lot of down time (I work nights) and I only have 1 patient to worry about.

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Specializes in Care Coordination, MDS, med-surg, Peds.

OH my.. "when" may be NOW.... sigh.. the Dr put me on work restrictrions and work is having a cow. Will find out more what work is gonna do today or tomorrow....

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Specializes in Critical Care, ED, Cath lab, CTPAC,Trauma.

I hope you ahve a positive outcome. My personal experience is even if the comply (which they have to by law)...they will look for every single little thing to "prove" you have suddenly become an unsatisfactory employee.

Good Luck!

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