mrst84

It sounds like you have nerve involvement. I would ask your chiropractor/HCP to order you an X-ray. I don't know how your insurance works, but most want this first.

Thanks for the encouragement. It has given me food for thought. My next question for everyone out there is, since I'm "self-diagnosed" as being on the spectrum, would it benefit me to declare it on employment applications? I can see both sides of the argument, especially the "con" as giving the potential employer reason NOT to hire you as they don't want to "deal" with a disability. I've seen this first hand with my 19 year old son and the pain job interviews and denials cause him. But on the other hand, if it's disclosed, they have to give you the accommodations to do your job successfully. For example, the only thing I have a "problem" with is speaking. I can get my point across successfully with patients, and peers. I suck at speaking with families. They ask me a question and I tell them the truth (which I discovered is a trademark of the spectrum) as much as HIPPA allows and I get reported. And it's either from my tone, or my verbiage or something I'm entirely clueless about. I'm at the point I'd rather not talk to family members at all! And let me tell you, getting written up about something you are clueless about is very detrimental to one's self confidence. This is one of the big reasons I was out of nursing for 20 years. So, should I check the box as "yes" on the application, and hope the facility believes in the ADA, bring up the issue in an interview, or check "no" and repeat a pattern? So far, I've checked the "refuse to answer" box when that is an option. Thanks for any opinions. And yes, I'm going to be looking for a new job.

I noticed the most recent post was in 2017, but reading the whole thread gave me hope. I thought I was alone. I, too, believe I'm somewhere on the spectrum. One of my kids is diagnosed high functioning autism, the other one is also on the spectrum. I also returned recently to nursing after a 20 year break. After reflection, I realized that where I currently work IS a bad fit for me, being on the spectrum, especially where the facility aims to have a high customer service rating (like a 4 star hotel), and I have a limited social skills. Does anyone have suggestions on a branch of nursing that requires a lot of technical skill and little social interaction?

I need other nurses opinions. Like many of you here, I too have been out of nursing, but I've been out 19 years to raise my kids. I am planning going back into it because currently I work in retail, and it's only a matter of time before my position is either eliminated or the store closes. I got my license re-registered, and did the infection control class required by my state. I applied for a nursing home position, got an interview, and was able to shadow a nurse in the facility. I didn't get the job, but realized I need to go back to school for a refresher. Now this is where I need your input. I've done a 'Net search for RN refresher course online. Do they work? Or would they work for someone who hasn't been out of the profession as long as I have? The closest and only refresher program in my area is 1.5 hours drive away from my home. The other option I've been thinking about is auditing a nursing class at my local community college. I would audit med/surg for the experience since I already am an RN. I am in no real rush right now, as the nursing class is only available in the spring. I'd have to jump through all the same hoops as a student (fees, books, and physical), and get permission from the department. Probably the chairperson. Thanks for any input!