Diagnosed with Leukemia - Still Wants to Work

[Nurse Beth, MSN]

Dear Nurse Beth,

As a new grad, I worked med-surg for a year and a half and even became charge nurse. Then I got Acute Leukemia. I am undergoing treatment right now, but aside from neutropenia I have very minimal side effects. I really want to get a part-time job, but I can't figure out what setting would be suitable while still helping to advance my clinical career. I'm worried my limited job experience and employment gap will make it incredibly difficult to get a job once I finish treatment. What advice do you have?

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Dear Wants to Work,

So glad you are getting better, and responding to treatment.

Has your doctor cleared you to work in a hospital setting with your neutropenia? I don't have to tell you how important your health is, you already know that. If it would not jeopardize your health to work, then yes, it is important to secure employment of some form as the longer you are unemployed, the harder it is to land a job.

You don't say how long you have been off work, but you have a solid year and a half of acute care nursing with progressive responsibility. You obviously did well if they made you Charge.

network- First of all, I would contact my old employer and let them know you are wanting to return to work part time.

There could be an opportunity to help with a special project, serve as a Super User for a process roll out, help with a Skills Fair- you just never know what needs they have that you could help with. You could audit charts, administer employee flu vaccinations. The important thing is to get back in and on the payroll. Opportunities will present from there.

Aside from contacting your old employer, contact everyone in your wider network and let them know you are looking for a job. Be persistent in submitting applications for jobs you qualify for, and don't give up.

Brush up your resume, and prepare for interview questions.

You will succeed, and that is the final rebuttal to your bout with cancer.

Best,

Nurse Beth