New grad needs start-up assistance

Nurses General Nursing

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I am hoping someone out there may be able to offer advice or suggestions on how to prepare for re-entry to workforce after long absence and now low income.

Here's the problem: four years ago, I had to resign my RN position at the hospital due to an injury and subsequent disability. I am currently receiving SS disability. I started my NP program just before I was injured and had to quit. I and my doctors believed that I would be capable of doing clinical type nursing. I had no problems with clinicals. Since NPs are the new thing, especially in rural care, I continued my NP program and have just graduated. My licensure is currently being processed.

Because disability benefits are just enough to survive on, there was not enough to fully fund school even with loans. The Vocational Rehabilitation office has paid for my last semester and my licensing. However, there is more to starting back to work.

While in school, I was fortunate enough that I could wear my "old" scrubs and get by. Now that I have graduated, I need "dress"/office attire for working in. I am not fortunate enough to have a large wardrobe. I have lost considerable wt and my old dress clothes do not fit anymore but I am still large enough that second hand/thrift stores do not carry my size. Does anyone know of assistance/loans/what have you that would help pay for things just until the paychecks start coming in?

Thanks.

Ina

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Hello KYAPRN,

You should try your local church or Salvation Army. There may also be a program or two (government associated) that will offer a voucher or some form of monetary assistance to help you with your working attire. I'm sure something will come through for you especially since you are "trying". Hang in there and keep me posted. Good Luck!

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Specializes in Cardiovascular, ER.

I was going to suggest the same as above poster. Good luck to you!

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Also, check with SSD (I also am on disability and attempted to go back to work at one point)- there is a period of time when you will still get benefits (so making your check, and a portion of SSD). If you can get through a month or two with some Walmart scrubs-( or slacks- most are less than 15 bucks), the SSD portion should be enough to go to Penneys or Kohls (or somewhere that has some business casual stuff but not cost a fortune) and get some basic pieces to start :)

The vocational rehab place may also have some ideas.

Best of Luck :up:

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I made my own from simple fabric you can get at Michaels or JoAnn fabric for the first few years out of school

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Specializes in Vents, Telemetry, Home Care, Home infusion.

check out:[color=#3366cc]dress for success:

a national organization distributes women's business suits and other professional clothing to women around the us and has international affiliates. women receive a business suit, shoes and accessories for interview;those who are hired receive work outfits.

they accept unwanted interview-appropriate suits, separates, shoes, accessories, unused undergarments and unopened cosmetics. some affiliates also accept coats.

career gear is group that assists men...

[color=#1111cc]nurses house: a national fund for nurses in need - home page

good luck moving forward.

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Specializes in Critical Care.

Can any of your extended family help you out till you are able to get on your feet.

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