Unexpected career choices, disability

[Nursejoy42]

I am stuck in a very complicated situation and unbiased opinions will help me tremendously. I worked for a large corporation for over ten years in nursing. I had a serious neck injury and suffer with residual cervical dystonia. With treatment I am functional and with education I have moved up the ladder and out of the company for the opportunity to grow even further. I have worked with ADA accommodations in the past but have not needed them in administration.

Currently I hold a position as a DON in Assisted living for just four months.I was recruited to this position by an acquaintance, the administrator. Honestly, I loved it so far despite the challenges. I was working as a nurse manager and I was reassured that I would have support and training because I had not previously worked in this position.

I relocated and left a company after ten years. I was given four days of training 2 days at two sites, neither my own. The position has been very hard for me to pick up where the last person left off, fix previous errors, learn 100 residents, learn all of my staff and the basics of my own position. Unfortunately I am a slow learner but I have improved significantly and I am much more confident. I am finally catching on.

Then,I was in a terrible car accident with an intoxicated driver and left with residual neck sprain/ upper back pain. I have been offered temporary medical leave and disability. Now, I am caught in between options and hoped some of you may be able to share your thoughts, experiences or advice.

My options are: (cons)

1.Beg my MD to return to my current position with no restrictions to prevent losing the position that I love and relocated to take (the administrator does not believe I am working to my best ability, i could be fired soon after returning and I am reassured I must return at 110 percent)

2.Request to stay out until recovered, then possibly be offered a position as an RN elsewhere in the company.(No guarantee of position, title, or site which can be anywhere. I barely drive and currently have no vehicle of my own since the accident. I cannot physically work a floor nurse position- which could be the offer)

3. Request to stay out of work until I am fully recovered, stay on disability until I recover and look for a new job then.(I may not be able to afford this, the relocation raised my lease over $400/month,or I may not find a position that will work with my disability at all)

4.I stay out of work until recovered, return to school- work towards BSN/MSN or NP that I previously started. I could work as an NP easily with my disability. (I would have to get income somehow)

[llg, PhD, RN]

I recommend #4 because it moves you forward. The other options don't get you anywhere good and secure. And as you age with time, your physical condition is not going to get better. Use this opportunity as an opportunity to further your education and prepare for your future as an older person.

llg (age 60)

[Nursejoy42]

Thank you so much for your input. When I am in the circle I can't see as though I am on the outside. I really appreciate your response.