Disabled LPN inquiring about "research" as new occupation

I posted on the general nursing forum a few days ago. I am looking for possibilities of using my knowledge as a nurse and using it to work for me. I have a chronic illness and have been off work for over a year. My doctor has agreed that clinical nursing no longer looks favorable for me. I believe that my initials LPN are hindering me. I actually started out to be an RN. I only had 5 classes to pass for my RN. However, my illness was getting in the way. I failed med-surg class due to the inability to keep up. I was exhausted all of the time. I can remember living, eating, and breathing nothing but nursing school. It consumed my life. And, that was okay. But, I was a student that needed mega dose of studying before a test. My illness was flaring because I was not getting ample rest due to all of the work school involved. (also, single mother of two school-aged children at time) In college, I was on deans list. However, nursing school was more of a challenge. I was older when I started out - 36 when I started my pre-reqs and 38 starting nursing school. I made B's and C's in nursing school. The grade scale was higher, too. 80% was needed to pass. I failed with a 79%. I was devastated and relieved at the same time that I learned I failed the course. I now had an excuse for not continuing. My instructors were surprised at my academic decline and counseled me to get my LPN and return. ( I could not continue any further at that time because the course was not offered for another year) I got my LPN in only 12 weeks. My LPN training was a breeze. The instructors made me feel like I was a genious. MY illness kicked in, with only one month to graduate. I was very sick in the hospital for 24 days. I did not graduate with the class. However, I had enough of clinical hours, and a high grade that I was able to recieve my diploma. I took my boards 4 months later and was working a month after that. I never did return to complete the RN program.

My illness had periods of remissions and exacerbations. The last two years, it was more exacerbated. I worked in a psych hospital. I was off on medical leave the summer of 2003. I returned in Feb. 04 and had to resign in June, due to flare-up. I have been on disability. SS and insurance that I had obtained from work. The insurance company has offered vocational rehab. The best job for me would be something that I could do from home. But, I probably need at least an RN credential?? I would not be able to obtain my RN due to physical limitations for clinical. I have an auto-immune disease and would love having a job researching along those lines.

However, I realize that without my RN it does not look promising. Any feedback greatly appreciated.

[grannynurse FNP student]

Without a BS or a BA you will be unable to find a position in research. These are the minimum requirements to do research. I would suggest you seek out testing and Voc counselling to determine the best route for you.

Grannynurse :balloons:

[jlamb]

I posted on the general nursing forum a few days ago. I am looking for possibilities of using my knowledge as a nurse and using it to work for me. I have a chronic illness and have been off work for over a year. My doctor has agreed that clinical nursing no longer looks favorable for me. I believe that my initials LPN are hindering me. I actually started out to be an RN. I only had 5 classes to pass for my RN. However, my illness was getting in the way. I failed med-surg class due to the inability to keep up. I was exhausted all of the time. I can remember living, eating, and breathing nothing but nursing school. It consumed my life. And, that was okay. But, I was a student that needed mega dose of studying before a test. My illness was flaring because I was not getting ample rest due to all of the work school involved. (also, single mother of two school-aged children at time) In college, I was on deans list. However, nursing school was more of a challenge. I was older when I started out - 36 when I started my pre-reqs and 38 starting nursing school. I made B's and C's in nursing school. The grade scale was higher, too. 80% was needed to pass. I failed with a 79%. I was devastated and relieved at the same time that I learned I failed the course. I now had an excuse for not continuing. My instructors were surprised at my academic decline and counseled me to get my LPN and return. ( I could not continue any further at that time because the course was not offered for another year) I got my LPN in only 12 weeks. My LPN training was a breeze. The instructors made me feel like I was a genious. MY illness kicked in, with only one month to graduate. I was very sick in the hospital for 24 days. I did not graduate with the class. However, I had enough of clinical hours, and a high grade that I was able to recieve my diploma. I took my boards 4 months later and was working a month after that. I never did return to complete the RN program.

My illness had periods of remissions and exacerbations. The last two years, it was more exacerbated. I worked in a psych hospital. I was off on medical leave the summer of 2003. I returned in Feb. 04 and had to resign in June, due to flare-up. I have been on disability. SS and insurance that I had obtained from work. The insurance company has offered vocational rehab. The best job for me would be something that I could do from home. But, I probably need at least an RN credential?? I would not be able to obtain my RN due to physical limitations for clinical. I have an auto-immune disease and would love having a job researching along those lines.

However, I realize that without my RN it does not look promising. Any feedback greatly appreciated.

You will need a RN degree. The American with Disabilities Act REQUIRES nursing programs to make reasonable accomodations for those with disabilities. I know from experience. I have 2 disabilities. While I have had to fight at times, the ADA is a powerful ally. Go for it. I know two doctors in wheelchairs, one who has 1 leg, another who has the same diseases I do, and several nurses who practice with auto-immune diseases. You could work from home in research, but you would need the RN to do so, and there are ways to get it.

[janice nicole]

You will need a RN degree. The American with Disabilities Act REQUIRES nursing programs to make reasonable accomodations for those with disabilities. I know from experience. I have 2 disabilities. While I have had to fight at times, the ADA is a powerful ally. Go for it. I know two doctors in wheelchairs, one who has 1 leg, another who has the same diseases I do, and several nurses who practice with auto-immune diseases. You could work from home in research, but you would need the RN to do so, and there are ways to get it.

I want to go to school in the spring for the nursing program. But I have

doctors telling me recently that I can not because of my rsd. I am

70% disabled but the only problem I have is that my ankles will collapse

and ankle braces prevent that. I now the rsd is bad , but I really would

want to be a nurse, and not allow it to destroy my life. It doesn't stop

me from other things if I have to drag my leg and pull it this is what

I do. My gait can be bad, there are times I am screaming because of

the pain. But, I allow a little crying and keep going. Can anyone give

me any advice on it. I am worried that the docs are right and should be

happy to go to school for ultrasound tech and be happy, even though

it appeared to be a boring, unfulling job.

Janice Nicole

[bellcollector]

I am a disabled LPN and currently on medical leave. I am also not expected to return to floor nursing. I am at this time getting my RN through distance learning with excelsior college. I am doing very well so far and would definately encourage anyone to try this. To me it is better than having to go on disablity.

[BeachNurse]

Without a BS or a BA you will be unable to find a position in research. These are the minimum requirements to do research. I would suggest you seek out testing and Voc counselling to determine the best route for you.

Grannynurse :balloons:

I do not have a Bachelor's degree and am a clinical research coordinator. In addition, I have my CCRC certification.