Back to work with disability ...

Nurses Disabilities

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After 8 years, I'm ready to return to work. Was an ICU RN for 20 years. Think I'll go into administration. Easier on the body. Wishing many more fun years in nursing. Life is good!

Specializes in Critical Care, ED, Cath lab, CTPAC,Trauma.

Hi!

The market has changed in 8 years. There is not shortage. DO you have a BSN? Some facilites won't even look at your application if you have not been active in the last 4-5 years and some states require a mandated refresher course.

I was in administration....I did not find them tolerant of a disability at all.

I wish you the best.

Have MSN. I don't think I'll have a problem finding work with my skill set. In my area in Florida, there are 300+ nursing jobs open, have 20 years in ICU, worked in dialysis and administration in LTC. Just saying.

Specializes in LTC, assisted living, med-surg, psych.

You will still more than likely need a refresher course. Things have changed greatly in the past 8 years and I'd think you would want to take a refresher to bring your knowledge up to speed, even if you're not required to. It's good that you have your MSN, it should open more doors for you than for the average nurse. Best of luck to you!

Specializes in Critical Care, ED, Cath lab, CTPAC,Trauma.
Have MSN. I don't think I'll have a problem finding work with my skill set. In my area in Florida, there are 300+ nursing jobs open, have 20 years in ICU, worked in dialysis and administration in LTC. Just saying.

I have only my BSN I have 35 years experience in critical care, education, trauma flight, emergency medicine. I have open a CT PACU, managed an ICU and ER and been director of emergency/critical care services. I have been a supervisor...a Clinical Specialist (before the days of requiring a MSN), clinical educator for an ICU ER, an ADN and BSN program.

My disability is now visible I use a wheelchair but when I was first diagnosed and dumped by my employer of 10 years then subsequently dumped as my disability became more apparent and the use of a cane. That I cannot even get a telephone triage job with 30 years in emergency medicine leaves me to believe that you might encounter some obstacles.

The current job market right now is very poor. While many facilities post openings they are being posted to keep them in the budget but there re hiring freezes in place.

I truly wish you the best in your endeavors.

Praemonitus praemunitus.... forewarned is forearmed....just saying

Thank you very much for the much needed advice and information. I am so sorry for the discrimination you've experienced in the work place. I can not believe that someone with your vast experience and education would be in this position due to your being in a wheelchair. There has to be a solution to your predicament. I would talk to Voc Rehab, but that's me.

i am expecting some bit of trouble with my employability, I take that as a challenge. I have kept up with CEU's and medications, am quite computer literate. Whilst on disability, have taken a variety of courses online, including organic chemistry and calculus I, for fun. I will take whatever remedial coursework I need. But I no longer want to work in the clinical millieu. My arthritis prevents 12 hour shifts on my feet. I believe I can accomplish and excel in a variety of areas.

And, as Michael Valentine Smith so aptly described, "Waiting Is"! I have been on a long and twisted life journey, this job search will be simply one additional curve and/or bump in the road. In my particular situation, have to travel the path as best I can.

Laura

Oops ... read cane as wheelchair. Still my disbelieve at the stupidity of employers is appalling. May God bless you.

Good Grief, excuse my faux pas, please.

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