LPN losing job AND recently diagnosed with POTS.

[Pandora6212]

Good afternoon! Just looking for some advice or suggestions.

I've worked as a LPN for many years in intake for home care. It is a non hands on job and a desk job. I worked this job straight out of nursing school as it was literally over the 50th job I applied for and I took what I could get.

Anyway, fast forward many years and I'm still at the same job. We have gone remote due to the pandemic. Also, I still technically have no hands on experience in the nursing world. 

They are filtering out LPNs slowly from my department. There were 5 of us a few months ago and now it's down to 3. It's not really a matter of "if", it's a matter of "when".  

To top off my lack of hands on experience I've been followed by a cardiologist for a few years due to constant and sometimes debilitating tachycardia. I finally had my tilt table test and have been diagnosed with POTS (adrenergic). 

I have no idea what to start researching for my next position. I have no clinical experience which makes me ineligible for even most desk jobs as a nurse. I cannot do a standing or physical job as I just don't have the energy and risk the high possibility of passing out. 

Has anyone had to leave nursing due to a disability type situation? If so, what did you do after for work? Did you go back to school or switch positions? Maybe, due to the pandemic, it's easier right now to get a full-time with benefits position at home that pays well? 

Any similar stories or suggestions greatly appreciated. ? Feeling a little lost!

[caliotter3]

Approach other home health agencies and ask about "easy", probably overnight cases, where you mostly sit all night and mostly observe a child as respite for parents who need to work.  These positions are hard to get, so start this effort now.  I would also delicately pose the question at your present job to start taking care shifts that you think you can handle.  Just act as if you are starting out, which is what you are really doing.  Your agency supervisors should have no problem bringing you up to speed with carefully chosen cases on a sporadic or part time basis.  And when you go to new agencies be careful about mentioning your health issues.  If you can sit in a rocking chair all night, then they don't need to know about any problems.

[Squidpdx, CNA, LPN]

Yes, I second the previous suggestions. Private duty nursing might be something to look into. I work in an outpatient health clinic, and it's not super physically strenuous or demanding. Lots of time to sit and stand up slowly. Also, I agree not to overshare about your health issues. Don't be deceptive, but also don't make it into a big thing. Nursing is surprisingly narrow minded and stigmatizing when it comes to disability. I have found this out the hard way. 

[Mintezia]

I would check for peds home health cases specificially. The adult home care cases usually require a lot of lifting (some peds cases too). There are still lots of LPN opportunities although it depends on the region of the country.