hale'akala

"Age...its' only a number" just finishing up my prereqs' this Spring..then I'll be able to "apply" and pray I get "picked" by the "lottery system"...I'm older than most of my Profs' never mind the kids!!........I'll be 55 end of April!!! Good Luck!!

I am trying to "return to work" under the Soc Sec Disability Program! This program allows you to attempt to return to work holding your benefits in place for a few years (7 or 10) if one is unable to do so. Under the "Ticket to Work Program" I have given my "ticket" to the Dept of Rehab in California. They originally, approved me for 2 years "support" (finances) to go back to school and get my AS and RN lic. I have been re-evaluated by thier Doctors and meet the "physical requirements" of Medium to Heavy work. But now the "counselor" is telling me, she is looking into "disclosure policies" by calling and contacting hospitals about their policies?? She told me I had to "disclose" my HIV status to perspective employers and that would or may affect my ability to be hired???? And that I would have to do the same for my RN lic and I may not be able to be licensed??? Further suggessting that I would have a difficult time getting a job and that she is very sure that Drs and/or Surgeons HAVE TO BY LAW disclose thier staus to thier patients???? She has told me I need to call perspective "hospitals" and provide her with documentation that they may/would hire me??? Geeez!!! I am 54 just finishing my first year back to school after 40 years (carrying full loads each semester)4 classes over summer session, 18 units this past Fall and 5 this winter 5 week and right into 18 for Spring 2009!!!! (I have a 3.0) ! What do any of you know about "disclosure Laws"?? I am in California! Do you have to do the same if you have Hep C??? Many Thanks!

I have been dealing with, the Department of Rehabilitation, out here in California. I am low income and on SSDI I am trying/attempting to use the Soc Sec "back to work" program. I have been evaluated by my Doctor originally as being able to do "sedentary work...The Dept says I dont meet the "light to medium" criteria for "nursing"... I go to a "clinic" and getting an appointment is very difficult....the original "evaluation" he made ... was pursuant to the report of a surgeon that had done a " 5 level cervical laminectomy with 3 level fusion" a year ago.....anyway, I am fine now!!! he has since Re-evaluated me and the Dept of rehab is saying it cant accept it because of the change from the eval a few months ago........ They just contacted me and said they would'nt accept my Drs "re-valuation". And offered to place me into a "Medical Assistant program".. instead of the nursing program..citing..the lottery...blah,blah,blah then they wanted to close my case...til I actually got into the "program"... ...............I said "NO"!!! Sooooooo Now, according to them I will have to be "evaluated" by an outside source????? She said it would take 5-10 days...I asked "doing what?" She said standing...sitting...lifting....to be able to gauge my "endurance"???? I am in community college I am carrying 19 units and will be able to apply for the "nursing program/lottery" by Summer 2009!!! My first class is 6:45 AM and language (Spanish and ASL) after til about 10:45..i RETURN TO SCHOOL at 4PM for my Anatomy class and lab 2 nights a week from 5-10pm??? I am with the Disbled Student Center, but have not asked for any accomodation in classes!! (I have finished 2 5 week sessions and 4 classes this past summer....) I'm apologize for ranting......... just frustrated with the Ca Dept of Rehab!!! Does anybody, KNOW or have a clue as to what I will have to do??? at this place??? Just hope I have time while "standing" or Wahtnot to do my homework! I'm not going to be bullied out of my decision..............I am 54 returning to school because " I want to be a nurse!!!" And I told her that and that I will do whatever it takes...soooo I am waiting for the "appointment"?!?!!? Many thanks ahead of time!!!

I hope I don't get flamed or nuked!!! But in my opinion and experience! Well, it should be private..but when and if you have to disclose any information on "medication" you are taking....the medications will give PWA's away. There still are lots of "people" in and out of healthcare professionals that dont think we belong in a ''hospital"... and certainly not doing patient care, ............OMG! (and particularily not in surgery!) Sooo most healthcare personnel (that I know that are in surgery for instance,keep their status very well gaurded).

congrats! People worry about HIV/AIDS Healthcare personnel......PWA's are everywhere....cooking and serving your food in restaurants, for instance......need I say more!! Good Luck to you my friend and take care!

Well, most of the community colleges in Southern California and I am attending Glendale Community College, in Glendale.....and originally, applied to Pasadena City College..they have a "lottery" they only take 50 or so students...Night and Day classes. you must have a C average or better at GCC....then a "computer" will "randomly" select "those" for the semester.....it wont matter if you are 4.0 or 2.0.....so unless you attend a "private school".....at the community college level you have to wait for the "comupter" to pull your name??? Unless, thier is some other way in???? I suppose if you ...never mind... ...I'm too old for that..

Could ou elaborate on how or what you meatn by you applied for 5 other schools? you applied to whom for instance and you did this while you were in or at GCC??? Thanks!

Anyone going to Pasadena City College or Glendale Community College? I am returning to school. I am 54 and have just begun to do the pre- reqs for the nursing program. (Nothing older than 10 years count so I must repeat everything.) Hopefully by Summer 2009 I will have succeded in finishing off the pre reqs and can apply for the nursing program and enter the "lottery". Has anyone waited for the lottery and how long did they wait...geeez I am 54!!! Thanks!

Hey, I'm 54 and doing it! Have to do pre reqs about a year before I can apply....into a "lottery" completely up to a computer..just have to have a c average.....my school is not accepting anything over 10 years old in education...unless its a degree...so I am a 54year old Freshman, again. LOT of LUCK!

Hi! I was diagnosed in 1996 at a "well-known" hospital in Los Angeles, California. My boss found out and made my life hell. Maybe times have changed.....but this hospital was very near to "ground zero" for the HIV/AIDS crisis and their was plenty of information available. Infectious Disease assured them I was not at risk. My then Dr was (and still is well known in that field) and Head of Infectious Disease. But my boss was not convinced and for instance, I was given ALL the patients with MRSA,VRE and active TB. People are people first. I was failing therapy and was continually on clinical trails and I was having to fight for my survival and my job to keep insured. My doctor then, gave me 5 years max. Just be careful about disclosing your status. Ignorance still exists...even in the "Big Cities."

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!

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!

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 !!!