Many questions..........please advise

[iwanna]

I just happened to see this post. I have worked in a drug rehab for 18 months, then they closed. After that, I found a job in psych hospital. I worked there for 4 years. I left for medical reasons.

I have a chronic illness which really interfered with my getting an RN. I was in training for RN, then I became overwhelmed with fatigue during my last jr. level course. Also, I failed the course I was taking due to not being able to keep up. Long story short I went to practical nursing for one quarter and got my LPN. I had intention on going back to get my RN, but never quite made it.

After being out of work for 4 years, I would like to return to work. I even contemplated getting my RN online. And, really the only reason that I want my RN is because many jobs require the RN credentials. After working in the psych hospital and seeing all the RNs are charge nurses. I would never want to be an RN in the facility that I worked. Yes, they made more money, but they should did earn it. But, I think that I am more cut out to be an LPN.

Although, I do not even have that much experience in that either. I graduated from the practical nursing 11/96. And, my illness exacerbated around that time. I took my board 3/97. And, my first job was 5/97. I only lasted a few months because it was way too strenuous and stressful for me. I did not return to work until 7/98 and it was in a drug rehab. I think that was the best job for me. Unfortunately, we closed 18 months later. In June 2000, I obtained a job in a psych hospital.(which I ablsolutely hated at first) I didn't mind the adults and the geriatrics. It was the children and the adolescents that took some getting used to. And, at the time I was thinking it would be a good job for me because I needed a job that was not physically demanding. But, it was physcially demanding at times. I was more than a mere med nurse. I actually grew to like it. However, my illness exacerbated again. At first, I went on STD. Then returned to work for about 4 months, then resigned permanently. I was approved for SSDI on the first try. Also, I get disability from my former employment.

My health has been stabilized, however, I am on immunosuppresants and need to be careful.

I liked when I worked in the drug rehab, and I was really good at my job. Towards, the end I started doing consults at times when we were slammed. I did initial pre-certs to get people admitted. After losing job at the rehab, I tried other local facilities, but I wasn't qualified because I did not have my RN. I guess RNs are needed to take dr. orders. That was the one frustrating part for me is that I wasn't allowed to take drs. orders.

However, in the field of D&A, I feel quite qualified. I have lived the life of addiction. Not mine personally, but family members. In fact, my own daughter is an opiate addict. She is currently on methadone. But, addiction is a family disease, not just the addict's. I have suffered many heartaches and understand what the family goes through. In that aspect, I would like to help others, as I know their pain.

But, I am now 50. Did you take college course while you were working?I do have all college courses that I took as pre-reqs to RN program. And, I was thinking if I get RN, I will be totally responsible for paying tuition. I am still paying on my other loans. But, SSDI may help me out with my schooling, but not nursing, due to my illness. I just wonder how long it would take. And, also, I believe that I need to find out out about taking refresher courses for LPN. I don't feel comfortable being out of field for 4 years.

I was wondering how long it would take to get CCDC?

[spydercadet]

I feel horrible for you, but look at your state's professional regulations page. In Illinois our LPN's can take orders and do many of the skills that RN's can do. However, many hospitals and other facilities hire RN's only because of the supervision requirements that are expected. But in Illinois we have actual refresher courses and the requirements are detailed on our departments web site. As far as money for school, try talking to both a counselor at a college and some one at SS-DI, you'd be amazed what you can find money for if you just fill out the paper work right.

Good Luck - Hope Things Turn Around For You!!! Everyone Deserves Something Good Now and Then!!!