kcurtis

Hello, my name is Kelly and I have been an RN for 22 yrs. I have not been able to work for the past two years due to my Fibromyalgia, but am now forced by financial problems to go back to the work force. I am trying to find something that isn't as physically draining as Critical Care 12 hour night shifts, and would like to go back to Hospice Nursing because I loved it so much. Now, I am worried about many things; what do I tell a prospective employer about why I have not worked for 2 years? Should I tell them the truth and risk not being hired because they don't think I am up to the job? WILL I be able to do the job? What will happen to my disability claim which has gone on for so long I am now financially FORCED to go back to work even though I really don't think I can. Does anyone out there have similar experience with this, or opinions on what I should do? Obviously, I am not able to work 12 hours shifts; I CAN work only part time, but I do not know if this will be enough financially, but I am not sure I can handle a full time position... Thanks for the input! Kelly

My name is Kelly and I have been an RN for 22 yrs, but have not worked for the past 2 years due to my Fibromyalgia, and Chronic Fatigue. I completely understand your predicament. I have been fighting with UNUM (the worst disability company, in my opinion) for the past year, because they cut off my payments a year ago. I am now faced with having to go back to work, because we cannot live on one income anymore. I have almost depleted my retirement savings due to not being able to work and no benefits. I WANT to work; being a Nurse is part of who I am, but am very afraid of going back to work, because some days I can barely get out of bed. I can't wait the (likely) years it will take to get an answer to my appeal of UNUM's decision that I am capable of working, so though it is not recommended, I either go back to work, or lose my house. Feel free to contact me if you have any questions, or just want to chat. Kelly