Reinventing Myself in Nursing

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Specializes in OR.

I had to have a 3 level fusion in my neck last December. Apparently, I took too long to make the decision to have surgery that I suffer from nerve damage in my left arm and hand. I was an OR nurse for 17 years, now I cannot return to that arena. I am trying to get into Case Management or Quality Control, but it is a Catch-22. You can't get a job without experience and no one will hire you so you can get experience. I am finishing two Masters Degrees this month, so I am hoping that will help me move into the Business side of Nursing. I am on Long-Term Disability right now, but I really would like to get back to work. It has been almost a year and I fill out application after application, but no bites. I know we are in a recession, but WOW!

Does anyone have any suggestions as to a career I might try? I have tried Case Management, Risk Management, Performance Improvement, and Quality Control. I almost had a job teaching until I found out I had to do clinicals too, and my doctor has said No patient care. Any ideas out there of anything else I might try? I would appreciate any suggestions. Thanks so much.

Specializes in Critical Care, ED, Cath lab, CTPAC,Trauma.

The market is tight. They don't want disabled older nurses. Try insurance companies. Phone triage. As a clinical instructor you don't do patient care. Check out this thread....https://allnurses.com/nurses-with-disabilities/rn-ms-needs-900699.html

Specializes in OR.

Thanks for the advice,,,,,,,I appreciate it

Specializes in ER, Forensic Nurse, SANE.

A agree, try phone triage for a insurance company. good luck!

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