determined rn

Another fellow "lupie" here... I'm a new nurse, 3 years, but one of those years was on/off while I was sick and getting diagnosed. 12 hour shifts do me in! I now work per diem so if I'm not feeling good I can adjust my schedule, but I need more work and let's face it...BENEFITS!! I am wanting to get in to the NICU asi think that may be a healthier place,but its so hard to get in towith no experience in it. I am dealing with a lot of questions and uncetainties on how to proceed with a current job offer and what is best for my health...we sacrifice ourselves, for our patients...and I think us "lupies" need to be aware and monitor that! You're not alone! I'm just as confused as you are lol

I'm right there with you and just made a post about my situation. I'm not much older than you and shudder at the though of things 10 years from now. I admire your tenacity. And as far as depression...I'm having a hard day today, I think it comes with the territory of chronic illnesses. Hugs to you!!! You're not alone!

Hello all, I am new to posting please forgive me as this will be a long post, want to get all the info out... I have been a nurse for 3 years now. However, while I was in nursing school I got a job in our VERY BUSY ER here in town...this is where my career started...I worked as a nurse apprentice there for about a year, then as soon as I graduated they wanted to hire me right on as an RN for nights. I worked nights, but the "new grad" program had me doing day time education so my sleep was all over the place, or not getting any...I was getting sick often, and it was unknown as to why until I started passing out at work...I was not safe for my patients so I went out on short term disability to figure out what was going on...from that point on I was always fighting and being stubborn to work...so I was in and out of work for about 9 months when I went back out on STD, which then led to long term disability. The problem then started, bc I wasn't safe to return, we still had no answers, my employer then gave me a deadline that I needed to return to work the next week or I was going to need to resign. Because I hadnt been employed as an RN for a full year I did not qualify for FMLA....So I lost my job. I then got diagnosed with lupus, which had attacked my lungs,heart and adrenals...luckily as soon as I got diagnosed, and got on meds I started feeling better. I then took another job which was NO stress and I was still able to work full time, but there was no nursing (even though it was still a nursing job) and I missed nursing!!! I am one of those cliches that has wanted to be a nurse since I was 6 years old. I have since gotten back in the "nursing" arena on per diem work, which is great for my health,but no benefits and unsteady work which makes me stress about money. My dillema is, I WANT to work, but I also need to listen to my body. 12 hour shifts DO ME IN!!! I can comfortably do 8-10hours but, because I am getting sicker more often now, in different ways (sometimes its just a cold, sometimes a flu, sometimes a flare, but most of the time its my joints and back and my immune system is shot) I work about 2 days a week about 8-12 hr days, but financially I need another shift a week and my current place doesn't have it. I have applied for other per diem jobs, but then they offer me full time only. I do not disclose my lupus as the jobs I apply for do not put my patients in any harm....but I guess I'm seeking all around advice...can I tell my perspective employers of my illness and is this going to eliminate my options (realistically?) I know they can't "discriminate" but they can finagle it to other things. Have any of you disclosed your chronic illnesses and what was your feedback? I'm also teetering on that question "is it time to take care of me" and look in to disability...but I LOVE BEING A NURSE and I was planning a lifelong career...not 3 years...heck i havent even made a payment on student loans because of doctor bills I don't know what my options are to take care of myself AND sustain a living, AND still work at least once a week. I'm confused,scared, determined, and lost as to how to approach things. I recently applied for a prn position, and they stated they converted them all (it was a new department starting) to full time positions. I know I can do the work, just not the 12 hour shifts....I don't want to lose the job,but this is the 3rd hospital this has happened and if I keep "withdrawing" their offers I'm going to alienate myself. As someone with progressing lupus, where can I work? And can i discuss this with my employer without losing a job? Should I divulge it to this new offer, and hope they don't deny me? Any advice will be GREATLY appreciated!!! Sorry its so long

I am new here but found your post very relatable...I have lupus, and get some of the same symptoms...I don't disclose my stuff at work but that's just me, however, its getting more advanced and I'm reaching the point where you are....FRUSTRATED. With chronic illnesses that in itself can prevent us from getting better. I agree with the "comeback" suggestion, HOWEVER, Its all in the delivery, and the audience...that's a touchy one. I guess its more about how much you wa t to keep it "hidden"....you could always use heavy duty make up, long sleeve shirts, but it doesn't hide how you're feeling. I guess I don't have much suggestions, but you have my support!