nurses with disabilities need help

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Specializes in Surgical Tech - former.

HI! I am new to the board. I am a former Surgical Tech have been on SSDI permanetly disabled since 2001..attempting to get my 2 year degree and my RN lic...at a local community college here in So California..I am using the "return to work or ticket to work program from Soc Sec...I ahve been in contact with the California State Dept of Rehab....they say they dont think I can get a job with my "sedentary state". I have begun my pre reqs and should be able to apply for the RN program before summer 2009.......I am hustling and taking a bunch of classes now...If the Ca Dpet were to approve me they would pay for everything ...I am struggling now financially and could really use thier financial help...Are their nurses out there working wiht thier disabilities and recieving accomodation?????? thanks much !!!

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Specializes in Geriatrics.

I receive SSDI for my bipolar disorder, started back when I was too unstable to work at anything. However, now I'm on excellent meds and I work one weekend a month at a nursing home as RN supervisor and I'm trying to get a part time job as a pharmacy tech. According to my SSDI guidelines, I can still receive my benefits up to $940/mo. If I make over that, then they consider me stable enough to work at least part time and my benefits would then stop. I am also applying online for my BSN/MSN. I've been stable now for about 4 years and am ready (I feel) to do what I've always wanted: teach or be an NP.

I plan on talking to SS when I feel ready to try a part time job; I want to see if they will give me another trial work period (I've already had one) for about 6 months before they pull my benefits.

It was nice to meet you and good luck; keep me posted!

Blessings, Michelle

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Specializes in Geriatrics.

Oh I forgot to answer your question about accomodation. I've applied to what we call here in Missouri, vocational rehab and since my husband makes pretty good money, we did not meet the guidelines for rehab. to pay for any of my classes etc. But I could see where it would be very beneficial for those struggling to get it. Good luck!

Blessings, Michelle

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Specializes in Geriatrics.

Someone on here sent me a PM about this topic and I don't know how to reply...so if you are that someone (your handle starts with P) please be sure to enable your PM's so that I can reply. However, if you can't, I will just answer your question here.

In answer, back when I was awarded my SSDI, I was way too unstable to work...I was almost too unstable to parent my older son even. Back then, I got a SS attorney and got my SSDI approved on my third try. My atty got a percentage of my back pay, but it was worth it to have my attorney at my side. I highly recommend an atty to anyone filing; I think the chances of getting SSDI are a lot better through a SS atty.

Hope that answers your question...

Blessings, Michelle

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Specializes in Medical and general practice now LTC.
Someone on here sent me a PM about this topic and I don't know how to reply...so if you are that someone (your handle starts with P) please be sure to enable your PM's so that I can reply. However, if you can't, I will just answer your question here.

In answer, back when I was awarded my SSDI, I was way too unstable to work...I was almost too unstable to parent my older son even. Back then, I got a SS attorney and got my SSDI approved on my third try. My atty got a percentage of my back pay, but it was worth it to have my attorney at my side. I highly recommend an atty to anyone filing; I think the chances of getting SSDI are a lot better through a SS atty.

Hope that answers your question...

Blessings, Michelle

You will not be able to reply to pm's until you have 15 posts to your name

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Specializes in Surgical Tech - former.
You will not be able to reply to pm's until you have 15 posts to your name

Thank you I was about to give up on this website. The SSDI has a "back to work program" for the disabled call the "ticket to work" and they give you a list of ....Facilitators...they basically offer vocational training if you need to get you back to work and they will hold your benefits in place for 7-10 years .I f you should have to fall back they will hold your benefits in place. After being denied the first year I was afaid to attempt this. But the California Dept of Rehab is who I chose and have approved me for 2 years..but have to find a "carrer" appropirate for my disability and current "medical evaluation". Anyway I thank you soooo much. I ahve also been in touch with the woman who wrote the book "Leave no Nurse Behind" Donna MaHeady she has given me some leads to build a case.....Many thanks again!

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Specializes in Surgical Tech - former.
I receive SSDI for my bipolar disorder, started back when I was too unstable to work at anything. However, now I'm on excellent meds and I work one weekend a month at a nursing home as RN supervisor and I'm trying to get a part time job as a pharmacy tech. According to my SSDI guidelines, I can still receive my benefits up to $940/mo. If I make over that, then they consider me stable enough to work at least part time and my benefits would then stop. I am also applying online for my BSN/MSN. I've been stable now for about 4 years and am ready (I feel) to do what I've always wanted: teach or be an NP.

I plan on talking to SS when I feel ready to try a part time job; I want to see if they will give me another trial work period (I've already had one) for about 6 months before they pull my benefits.

It was nice to meet you and good luck; keep me posted!

Blessings, Michelle

Were you on SSDI. If you are look into the "ticket to work program" they will adjust your income but should not through you out and hold your benefits in place for several years in case you need them! You're a doll for responding thanks!

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Specializes in Geriatrics.

Thanks so much..."ticket to work"; I will check it out most definitely!

Blessings, Michelle

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