Advice Needed

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Specializes in ER/PICU.

This probably the wrong spot for this but....

I've been on medical leave for the past 6 months following a near emergent craniotomy to repair a large left cerebral aneurisym. I've recovered reasonably well all things considered but some defecits remain, most notibly speech(defecits when exposes to cold, stress), ROM(about a 50% reduction)right arm, parathesia and motor defecits. I can't write, struggle with a keyboard, and..according to the wife,memory and situational defecits.

I've been conversing with co-workers privately and they have advised that it maybe time to leave the profession. "A big liability issue." Some have advised a return to college to open more opptunities. I'm only (an happily) an ADN, retired from the armed forces and of course older (58). My experience is exclusivley ER.

I'm at a loss as to "What to do?" Suggestions?

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Specializes in Critical Care; Cardiac; Professional Development.

Wow. I feel bad saying this but with inability to write, struggling with a keyboard (though the above looks great...no idea how long it took you to type it) and (most concerning) memory and situational deficits, it just doesn't sound very plausible or safe. I hope you are able to find something. I am so sorry for your struggles. I am sure this is an overwhelming situation. I was thinking case management review for insurance but if typing is a problem you might have issues with efficiency...only you can know if you are competitively able to keep up.

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Specializes in MDS/ UR.

Career counselor maybe? You might even want to do something totally difference than health care. Good thoughts for you!

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Specializes in Trauma, ER, ICU, CCU, PACU, GI, Cardiology, OR.

first of all, i'm sorry for what you're going through,but your will to continue on with your daily living it's to be admire. therefore, have you thought about "voice activated typing software" ? with this software you're still able to send e-mails answer blogs anything that one can do on a computer without using your hands. furthermore, down below are several links that will give a presentation of the above mentioned...as i wish you the very best in all of your future endeavors....aloha~

http://askville.amazon.com/voice-activated-typing-software/answerviewer.do?requestid=2013848

learn about dragon software

free voice recognition software for iphone from nuance - stop typing and start dictating emails

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