Governmental funding for disabled nurses

expatnurse · Jul 23, 2007

I would explore nurse education. I know they do not have engough people to teach the furture nurses. Also I am based in the UK but we have very strong unions do you belong to one? And if so have you looked into help from them? I wish you all the best

Quickbeam, BSN, RN · Jul 23, 2007

First off, have you explored everything available to you under Worker's Compensation? If you were disabled on the job in the US, you have a lot of rights. Some vary state to state but retraining is one facet of Worker's Compensation. Make sure you've explored everything you are entitled to. I did WC case management for many years and injured workers had a lot of protections, at least in my state.

If you've signed off on your WC rights and gotten all the payout you'll get, you could try Dept. of Vocational Rehabilitation in your state. Their mandate is to help the disabled retool for employment. Nurses have a lot of skills that can translate to other jobs.

I don't know of any cash out there for disabled nurses. I'm disabled myself but I retooled on my own for community health. I could easily do my job in a wheel chair (which is probably likely in the next few years). The less clinical the job, the more likely I've found it will require a BSN. Just my experience.

woody62, RN · Jul 23, 2007

When a person is projected to be unable to work, because of a disability, for 12 months or more, one should apply for SSDI. The initial application is long and somewhat complex. Also, you need to include your physicians reports and his project as to your ability to be gainfully employed. In all likelyhood, you will be turned down initially twice. After the second turn down you need to hire an attorney and file for an appeal and hearing before an administrative law judge. This process can take as little as 18 months up to three or four years, depending on which state you live in.

Once approved, you will get pay back to the date of your disability. Also two years from your date of disability andf you qualify for Medicare. When presented with the opportunity to enroll, do not pass it up.

If you are out on WC, your temporary disability payments will be averaged into to your SSDI benefit. Some people do not initially receive their benefits because of their WC payments but you should apply any way.

Here in Florida, prior to September, 2003, you were entitled to vocational rehabilitation and funding from your WC carrer. The law changed in September, 2003 and benefits were greatly reduced. Check it out with your state's Department of Workers Comp.

Woody

sberrn · Jul 23, 2007

Workers comp are less than helpful and I am still waiting to settle with them. In the meantime I have basically had to get all my own equipment and the latest I have requested a further mediation as nothing is getting settled and they have not even covered me with a physician.

I recently got a lawyer and hope to hear something more soon.

Like always it is the last thing you think is going to happen and the physician I was seeing prior to them denying was very good. He did tell me not to get my hopes up as there is a lot of damage and I cannot even sit for very long without being in excrutiating pain. I just thought there might have been educational leads to follow up that would at least allow me to work at home a few hours a day.

First of all I do need the co operation of the WC carrier but that is another saga in itself.

Thank you very much for your response, if anything else comes to mind please let me know.

cheshirecat · Jul 23, 2007

Have you thought about working for NHS direct in the UK? It is a nurse advisory service call centre.

woody62, RN · Jul 23, 2007

As a former major case manager for Workers Comp, I can tell you that each state has to provide a printed policy of your rights and obligations under their Workers Comp law. It is a good idea to obtain a copy from them. You do this by calling their 800 number and asking for it. Without knowing what state you live in, I can't comment on their lack of response to your needs. Most states provide for medical care, medications and equipment as needed. Here, in Florida, this lack of response is viewed by judges as bad faith on the part of your Workers Comp carrer. Bad faith means they pay your attorny's fees.

Good luck

Woody:balloons:

kukukajoo, LPN · Jul 23, 2007

I am pretty sure there is a nurses nonprofit to provide assistance for nurses that are disabled. I remember someone asking me for a donation at one time. I would check the nursing assocations. I wish I had more information for you.