Another drag on our social system...

[fab4fan]

I have worked at one job or another since I was 14y. Paid into the system like a good girl.

Then, I had the misfortune of being injured at home; lost my job because FMLA ran out. I am still in rehab, and working as a nurse right now is impossible.

So, get unemployment. Wrong...because I was injured, I do not qualify (you have to be available to go to work when you are on unemp.). At this point, there's no way I could work one eight hour day, let alone 5 of them.

Social Security Disability? Nope...has to be an injury that will leave you disabled for at least 12 months or longer (or else be terminal). So I don't quite fit in there, either, because I anticipate that within another 3 months I should be able to walk pretty well, although it's doubtful I will ever be able to handle the rigors of a 12h shift on my feet. Actually, the doc thinks it's doubtful I'll ever be able to do any floor nursing again.

So, I'm in no man's land. I have exhausted my savings, since that's what I've been living off for the last 4 months. I will not be able to afford COBRA, so will have to apply for Medicaid. Income? If I can't find some sort of job that will accomodate my limitations, I may need to try to get financial assist. (won't need food stamps, at least; my parents will feed me). Oh, and the new car I got in Aug.? Guess I can kiss that goodbye, because no way will I be able to get assistance and keep the car (I have ins. rider on the loan that takes care of the payments as long as my injury prevents me from working, but once that's done...)

This system sucks. It is humiliating, and terrifying. What can you do? It's not like there are tons of jobs out there to accomodate disabled nurses, and I don't have any other skills.

Sorry to whine; this is just getting to be more than I can live with.

[Little One2]

Fab4Fan, Sorry to hear about your injury and problem. It probably seems like the end of the world. But, hang in there, there are some good suggestions posted.

I don't know how bad your injury is, have you thought of doing community nursing. I don't if it is the same in the states as in canada, you do simple nursing skills - such as wound care, monitoring health status, teaching. There is no heavy lifting or standing on your feet for twelve hours. There are many options out there.

Good luck and take care.

[fab4fan]

Originally posted by Grace Oz

Just wanted to send my thoughts & best wishes to you from here "Down Under". Perhaps knowing people are thinking of you & praying for you might help at least a little. Do you belong to a nurses union? Can they help in any way? Sounds like your social security system is as cockeyed as ours here in Oz. It's typical, those of us who have worked & paid our dues never seem to qualify for assistance when we need it! Could you contact your local state politican? These people are voted in by the citizens, they are supposed to be there to help & often do. Just a thought.

I also support what some of the others have suggested, look into alternative ways you might be able to earn a living. Have faith, believe in yourself & good luck! I have you in my prayers.

Cheers,

Grace

Rapheal Hey Fab4fan,

You are a strong determined person. You will work through this. There have been some exellent suggestions on this board for you to look into. I am convinced from reading your posts that you are blessed with an intelligent, creative mind. My hopes and prayers are with you. Please keep us updated on your progress. Also if there is a particulare area of interest for you in employment-let us know. I (and I am sure others) will help research what is available in your area if you provide that info.

Grace and Raphael: Thank you so much for your supportive comments.

Still going to PT three times a week, getting strength and increased ROM bit by bit.

Actually, I was thinking about looking for a job like in an onco. office; I'm very good with IV's, but I don't have exp. giving chemo, so I don't know if I'd be a likely candidate or not. I learn quickly, and I have had exp. working with the different VAD's, so, I don't know. I am keeping my eyes open; if I see a course on VAD's or working with chemo, I might go, just to be able to say I have it...could look good for future job applications.

[susanmary]

I'm sorry for what you are going through. Just know others are praying for you. Sending the absolute best wishes and positive thoughts out to you. Sue

[wolfie]

recheck with SS it's a long grueling process but my husband went thru it for his heart and memory problems due to a severe bout with encephalitis. If you can not ever go back to your original job and can't be on your feet for a length of time required to do that job you should qualify for SS. Good luck and you are in my thoughts.

[liberalrn]

fab4: How's it going? haven't seen you at the regular stomping grounds.....pm me (I figured out how to do it!) if you want.....so sorry about all this cr*p you're going thru......