VA2AK

Thank you for the encouraging comments, I will re-read when I'm questioning myself and having a bad day. Thanks again for taking the time to comment!

Hi, I recently was approved for SSDI (I've been a nurse for 15 years) for complex PTSD. I tried to hang on and continue working, even though I was struggling and desperately trying to hold on. Issue is: I feel like I've lost my identity? Am I not a nurse anymore? Am I being lazy? I don't know what to feel, although I'm relieved to have some income coming in, I am now feeling guilty for this. I am taking 1-2 classes to further my education (I have my ADN) so in case I can go back at some point I will have accomplished something. I am 47 years old and have never NOT worked, don't know what to feel.

I don't know, thinking of getting BA in psychology, but not sure. I just want to have a job I love again!

Thanks in advance for any help i can get. I have PTSD and have been hospitalized 3 times in the last year due to some major stresses. I am actually back to work right now, but because of the disclosure laws, I am really scared about disclosing and opening myself up to having to face board one on one. I haven't gotten into any kind of disciplinary action, but I just think it's time maybe I think of doing something less stressful and then I won't have to worry with the renewal/disclosure process. Any ideas of what to do next? I am 45 so don't know where to start......again!

Sounds like you made the decision to do what's best for you and that's what counts! I'm considering the same, what career/job are you changing to if you don't mind me asking?

I have been a nurse for 15 years with my associates, right in the middle of a lot of colleagues that have either been grandfathered in or either have their BSN from the beginning. I don't know if I should pursue BSN as I have PTSD and anxiety issues and don't even really know how much longer I can work as a nurse. Want to do something different, but can't really afford to go back to school for a whole new career at my age, I'm 47. I love being a nurse, but I'm just burned out I think, not even just nursing, but having been a victim of domestic violence I am just burned out and don't feel I have a lot to give, but can't stop working either. I am in therapy, just got back from FMLA and still just not feeling it. Any ideas on other careers nurses turn to?