Returning to Work While In Monitoring Program

[startingover2016]

It's been more than a year since i began this journey. All aspects of change are difficult but Returning to work a whole different person mentally and physically is even harder. Currently I am job searching and I was talking to a friend who is an RN, knows about my recovery and i dont agree with the following opinion.

I have 1 medical issue that will cause me debilitating pain and was the reason why Im in recovery. It introduced me to pain medication. I always made poor choices in downgrading the severity of my medical issue. Continued to work through the years but when the pain suddenly reappeared time and time again i went straight for pain medication rx. On and off this went on. Today I'm proud to say I'm clean and know my limitations.

My friend minimizes my pain and today discussing an open house her opinion is i should be greatful to accept any job offer even if its ortho?

I need money desperately, im going to apply for state assistance because we will be homeless soon if i dont find work or get an extension on my unemployment.

I know she can fight through anything including pain but I just cannot take a chance. At the end she did not understand that i have to do what's right for me. What if i take any position and the pain debilitates me and i can't move. Wost yet i do harm and need immidiate surgery.

I have to stick to the plan and follow the area of nursing that I know I can work and not put myself at risk.

I am not ungrateful by turning a job down while needing so much help am I ungrateful?

I know what i need to do but just curious at others views and suggestions. My goal is to return to work not call out constantly because of pain. I guess unless you have been in my shoes and others with similar situations its hard for some to understand. My Recovery comes first and part of this Journey is learning to make choices that help us not sink us.

[catsmeow1972, BSN, RN]

Just a few questions...is she going to work for you? Is she caring for your patients? is she going to help you with your aching self after a long day? Is she going to be there to listen after you've had a horrible day doing tasks you know you ought not. Is she signing your paycheck? I am gonna guess no. I've never had chronic pain/injury issues but i have made the mistake of taking the first job i was offered (in a very crappy place that couldn't keep staff if you doubled their salary.) Very quickly, it became "it's a crappy job, but hey, it's a job." I was miserable, unhappy, and I walked around that place constantly afraid of getting fired. While my issue is straight up mental health, it's not a nice way to live. it sets the perfect storm for toppling down into the pit that you are trying so hard to climb out of.

If you turn down a job that you know has requirements that you cannot handle, you are not ungrateful. You are being mature and smart. Yes you need help, so what. Isn't that why we paid taxes? (I drew SSDI for part of the time I was off work and that was what my lawyer said.) It may take a while and a couple of rejections, an attorney and a hearing, but you may consider that. 1. You can backdate the day the disability started and 2.if you've found a suitable position by the time the hearing rolls around, you can still draw a lump sum for the period of time you were not working. I think both chronic pain and substance abuse fall under the SS description of disabled.

In short, what she says doesn't matter. YOU do what you need to do! Duly note her opinion and disregard.

[sallyrnrrt, ADN, RN]

For me applying and getting a job in LTC, as MDS coordinator, a relative desk job, preparing computerized assessments that nursing homes use to get reimbursement, cue on cycles, depending what type of patient, as in medic aide, Medicare ,bor both...... No administration of drugs, it is sorta clerical nursing job, but very important one......all LTC, SNF fave a DON, being a RN, thus your monitoring supv...... Usually a m-F job, days, so running to lab collection center easy....... There are many tutors guides, on DADs gov.com.......most facilities provide lessons, it was a Godsend opportunity for me the 3 years I was on stipulations........ Best wishes, recovery is possible, yes addiction is an illness , that requires a lot of mental changes and choices, Diabetes the same, 12 step programs were, are helpful to me......