Disabled RN looking for some ideas to go back to work

[kathleanconner]

Hello all. I am new to Allnurses.com. After reading so many posts here, I felt this was a great place to post my question. I can see there are many many experienced nurses who may be able to direct me to the right path.

Here is my situation. I was on the job, as a home health case manager (RN), when the car I was riding in was sideswiped by an 18 wheeler. That was in October of 2007. To make a long story short, I am left with physical disabilities from my injuries. My L4, L5, and S1 were all affected as well as my Sacroilliac joints are permanently damaged. In addition, my left knee and ankle are injured. As you, my fellow nurses know, this does not just affect L4 down, but actually all the way to my neck/head. Mobility wise, I am limited. My injuries are permanent. My pain and dysfunction are dibilitating. I am about to undergo a trial of a spinal cord stimulator to attempt to get my life back and get off the narcotics! This is the best I can hope for, that the spinal cord stimulator will work and I can have 'somewhat of a normal existance', as my ortho says.

So, you probably wonder what my question is. Well, once I get this spinal cord stimulator placed and, hopefully, get off all of the strong narcotics I must take just to function, I despirately want to make a living again with my degree. I have an Associate RN and am only a few courses shy of a bachelor in business. I am told that I will likely never be able to work as a floor nurse or work a traditional job due to my injuries as it is very difficult for me to sit in a traditional work chair. However, with a laptop and a phone, I do feel that (once I get my pain in better control and my mind more clear and free from the narcotics) I could do something from home. I also have a background in information technology as I used to be a Web Developer/Web Administrator. So, with all of my experience and education, I feel I have a lot to offer. I also have experience in Hospice as I worked as a Case Manager and did phone triage, on weekends, for 6 months. In addition, I have nursing experience in Med/Surg, Pediatrics, Maternal Child, Home Health and Insurance chart audits.

For those of you who have migrated the system and found a way to work from home, can you offer me any advice. It is imparative that I find something to do to bring in an income. I also need it for my mind as it is not good to do nothing with my mind. As a nurse, I know all too well what this road will lead to if I continue to not be able to use my mind or my body. I don't want to end up muscle wasted and/or demented. So, if there is anyone out there who can help me, another nurse or possibly a potentional employer, please provide me with some information on how I can take my life back.

I am a well educated, experienced nurse. I also have excellent computer and communication skills. I strongly desire to stay in the health industry as it is truely where I feel 'at home'. Any help will be appreciated!

Thank you all in advance,

Kathy Conner

Board Eligible for RN in Washington (currently expired due to my situation, I will renew soon!)

[athena55, BSN, RN]

Hello Kathy:

Sorry to hear about all your medical woes r/t that 18 wheeler collision

I am sure you have found, by now, the Disabled Nurses forum here on All Nurses.

Have you checked out www.exceptionalnurse.com ?

Sorry I was not able to answer your query directly. I am hoping that someone on All Nurses will be able to point you in the right direction

Good luck with your implantable spinal cord stimulator. I had used a TENS unit with much success and was also on a crap load of drugs/narcs (RSD/CRPS but now in remission)

Thinking of you,

athena