Question??

[ancient angel]

Hello all, I was injured in an auto accident in Aprill of this year. I am in my late forties and my neuro surgeon is going to place me on strict lifting restrictions after my surgery. He reported that I will not be able to do my genereal nursing duties for...who knows how long? I was a policeman prior to nursing and also have a B.A. in business administration from 1976. I do not think I have time for any long educational programs. HR depatrments have no idea where to place me. I thought about forensic nursing, but I would think that it would be more traumatic to a woman that had just been molested or worse to see a male trying to help her in gathering evidence ( semen samples..etc.) Can anyone assist me in vocational counseling???

[LasVegasRN]

2 questions - was the auto accident work-related? Have you been determined partially disabled by the neurosurgeon?

[fergus51]

What about a NICU job? Most don't involve a lot of heavy lifting, or would the standing be too much for you? Or are any type of community jobs open to you, like public health or diebetes education, etc.? Or (God forbid) administration?

[teeituptom, BSN, RN]

Howdy yall

from deep in the heat of texas

You could go into administration for a job

[mattsmom81]

I'm sorry to hear of your accident, Ancient Angel...and your duty restrictions. I am in similar circumstances and we're the same age, so I can relate.

I am recuping from neurosurgery and have applied for SSD to try and get some income for now. In the future if I can, I'm looking ahead to the possibility of nonlifting jobs: like MDS coordinator for long term care, or case management in a facility...total paperwork jobs are out there but can be hard to find. I have worked with charge nurses and supervisors who do not ever lift, but it takes a lot of willpower not to 'jump into the fray' in an emergency and risk injury to yoursel. I'm better off not going that route.....but maybe you could consider that.

With your police background , have you considered legal nurse consulting? I'd bet attorneys would find you invaluable with a police and nurse background...if you like legal work.

Check other threads on Allnurses like "Over 50 with health related problems" and others with similar titles. There are quite a few of us around here in similar circumstances as yours....write anytime and good luck...I know it's not easy dealing with disabling injury. God bless. :)

[SmilingBluEyes]

I think Mattsmom gave you great advice. and DO check out worker's comp. I have nothing brilliant to add, but I do want to wish you well and send good thoughts your way. Take care of yourself and best of luck to you!

[researchrabbit]

Research is great. If you live near a med school, that's a great place to look for one of those jobs. Lots of paper, but patient contact too. Helps if you're detail oriented, and you have to be a self-starter. Lots of sit down time. Some of the books are big but you can work around that (transfer your paper into smaller binders so you don't have to lift). It is not a physically tiring job but can be mentally tiring.

[Love-A-Nurse]

originally posted by ancient angel

hello all, i was injured in an auto accident in aprill of this year. i am in my late forties and my neuro surgeon is going to place me on strict lifting restrictions after my surgery. he reported that i will not be able to do my genereal nursing duties for...who knows how long? i was a policeman prior to nursing and also have a b.a. in business administration from 1976. i do not think i have time for any long educational programs. hr depatrments have no idea where to place me. i thought about forensic nursing, but i would think that it would be more traumatic to a woman that had just been molested or worse to see a male trying to help her in gathering evidence ( semen samples..etc.) can anyone assist me in vocational counseling???

welcome. telephone triage nursing? school nursing? all the best to you!