dont know what to do

[martymoose, BSN, RN]

Hello- I have crummy knees- bone on bone and torn meniscus on one knee. the bone on bone is only medial, so no one wants to do replacements with me yet. I also have back problems of neuropathy and severe spasms from disc degeneration

I just can not continue doing the nursing work I am doing(stepdown). I am visibly limping 3 hours into the shift. I have applied for other jobs, but have had no luck .

Has anyone ever been declared disabled with this and been able to go back to school in a new profession? are there any programs for this? I cannot afford to get loans again.

Help!

[Marisette, BSN, RN]

I have a cervical herniated disc, so I feel your pain. I could be wrong, but I believe you are not eligible for social security disability benefits, if you are able to do any type of work. As long as you are not totally disabled and can do some type of work, you may be denied benefits. So if you can lift a cup, you can work food service. I have worked with some very ill people who continue to work for economic reasons. I once heard a social worker tell one of the patients, that they could not be employed and apply for benefits while employed. In addition, you may be asked to provide medical evidence that you are not able to perform certain activities. I'm by no means in expert on this subject, so I hope you get other responses.

On occasion, I have heard of programs for people to re-enter the work force sponsored by social service agencies. They offer mostly short term training for entry level work, not a "profession" as you may be thinking.

It's challenging to find nursing employment that does not involve some type of strenuos activity. But there are a few, look into triage nursing, case management if you can find it. Also home health. You can limit the number of cases you take and work at your own pace. Applying and not getting a response is the reality of the current nursing market, too many applicants and not enough jobs. You will need a really good resume that targets the type of job you desire or you won't get calls.

I don't mean to sound pessimistic. I know what it's like to go to work with that aching back and the neuropathic pain of herniated disc. If you find better info., please do share......

[xoemmylouox, ASN, RN]

Keep applying for other jobs. Try outpt MD offices for triage, case management in hospice or acute care, insurance company work, etcetera.