Nurse Jobs/Jobs I could do given my situation.

[Mikeya, BSN, RN]

Hello,

I was wondering if I could get any updates to possible job opportunites I could look forward to and work towards getting given my condition/situation.

Long story short... I've been a nurse >2 years, but much of that was Med-Surg on Medical leave and eventual resignations from two nursing positions (thought I was cleared for my second job until more medical complications occurred). Over a year not working now, currently on Social Security Disability to help pay for on-going treatments and medical bills. In terms of future jobs, what can I look forward to, and how would I be able to explain that properly if I ever get an interview. I don't think I will be able to be cleared for bedside nursing, and will be on immune-suppressive medication for my condition, so I'm unsure if it would be safe for me to do general bedside nursing in general. I was wondering if a position like working on an oncology unit where my patients will be immune suppressed (been through multiple rounds of chemotherapy myself, but I rang that cancer free bell!)... Would that be a passible safe position for me given immune suppression or no?

Trying to get some ideas once I get past more of my medical treatments. Any ideas would help! Thank you!

[JadedCPN, BSN, RN]

Bedside nursing (or any patient-facing job) will always have an infectious disease risk component by nature, but IMHO you have a far less chance of infection wearing your PPE on a known infected patient than you do casually walking by a stranger in the grocery store. I think this may probably be a question best asked to your PCP who knows more specifics about your situation.

I just want to say congratulations on ringing the bell; I will forever cherish the memory of when my mother was able to do so, and love seeing it when I work pediatric oncology.

[BxRN718, ADN, BSN]

It depends on what you feel comfortable doing , I currently do telehealth triage and I love it .  I also do case management , all remote position that affords me the ability to help patients and work from home.  My boss is super supportive and I don’t feel micromanaged as my last job in the hospital .  I had to leave the CM at the hospital job because of rampant discrimination due to my disability, I was basically humiliated in a daily basis and resigned but was blessed to get a position working from home .  

[Mikeya, BSN, RN]

Thank you for the information! Really helpful to get some ideas. Turns out my doctor won't even sign me off to work as a bagger a grocery store type level due to my condition, ongoing treatments, infection risk, etc.. (NEEDED, but sucks for me.) Praying I can go back to nursing, but no idea.

Disability Discharge money as a patient isn't the same as living on your own doing a job you love, and yes, the money. Makes you realize just how blessed I would be to be able to tell someone "Here's your discharge papers! SO glad you're getting better and better!"

I'll figure life out. Even if nursing isn't good for my safety, maybe virtual, maybe working for Epic and making that less of a hassle that hospital documentation was for new nurses and more.

[RuralMOSchoolRN, ADN, RN]

I don't know what your disease and medication is but I'm on an immuno-suppressant (xeljanz) and work as a school nurse-so around a lot of illness.  My rheumatologist just requests that I get yearly flu shots and I've also gotten the pneumonia vax and shingles vax (he wrote an RX since I'm below the age recommendation).  Only you and your physician know your limitations.