Welcome to the New Nurses with Disabilities Forum!

Brian asked me to post some ideas for this forum that we had discussed, so here goes.

This is a good forum for talking about:

State and federal laws governing workers with disabilities

Legal aspects/What employers can and can't ask of you

Links regarding assistive devices

News reports about breakthroughs with specific disabilities

Encouragement

How to handle insurance claims/disputes and filing for disability benefits. So complicated. I'm sure some of you have learned a few tricks along the way

The emotional fallout of dealing with a disability

Chronic health problems like diabetes, fibromyalgia, lupus, etc.

Dealing with family, friends, co-workers who don't always understand

How to beat depression and get/stay happy

And anything else pertaining to having a disability or chronic health issue

You don't have to have a disability to post in this forum. Physical limitations could affect any one of us at any time. It's a rare nurse who will make it through his/her entire working career without some kind of challenge. And as we boomers age (it'll be your turn before you know it, Gen X-ers), many of us will be come more aware of and sensitive to the needs of those with on-going health concerns.

Do remember to stay away from asking or giving medical advice. It's okay to speak of medical things--that's kind of a given in a forum for disabililties and chronic health problems--but please stay away from matters that should be discussed with a healthcare provider. You guys know the drill.

Welcome to this new and useful forum.

Thank you all for opening this forum. Many of you know I crashed right on into disability right after getting my nursing license. It was a very difficult transition for me at first, because I worked all my life-even took on a second career. Then after I got used to the fact that I was told I will never be able to work as a nurse, I decided to put my nursing knowledge into writing a book that is now being used as a tool of encouragement and empowerment for those who feel trapped into a situation they feel there is no way out of. I am a survivor, and now am able to put my experience to good use. For that I am grateful.

Ay..I've been disabled with Systemic Lupus for over 20 years and working as an RN has been increasingly difficult. I'm trying to find another avenue besides floor nursing to make a living. I have a kid in college who is going to need my help for at least the next 4 years. Any ideas?

Franemtnurse, you wrote a book about nursing? Was it difficult to find a publisher?

I am a nursing student, who is actually just getting started next week, and I have a pinched nerve --most everyone is claiming that it is sciatica.. but my chiropractor disagrees.

I know its not necessarily a "disability" but it stops me from living life as full and as completely as I used to.

Either way sometimes I worry if it is a good move for me to continue on trying to become a nurse. Most of the time I dont have any pain. BUt then somedays, it is hard having to bear through the pain after lifting something as simple as a bag of dog food, let alone a person. I have been receiving treatment for my back for a few months now with "very surprising" and fast improvements.

Does anyone else have a back issue like this, does it prevent you from doing your job? Has it made you change careers or the type of nursing you do??

Ay..I've been disabled with Systemic Lupus for over 20 years and working as an RN has been increasingly difficult. I'm trying to find another avenue besides floor nursing to make a living. I have a kid in college who is going to need my help for at least the next 4 years. Any ideas?

Franemtnurse, you wrote a book about nursing? Was it difficult to find a publisher?

When starting a new thread, may I suggest that posters enter what their disability is rather then just 'nurse with disabilities' as it would then be easier to find the threads concerned about their own disability.

When starting a new thread, may I suggest that posters enter what their disability is rather then just 'nurse with disabilities' as it would then be easier to find the threads concerned about their own disability.

Excellent suggestion.

Hi,

What is the name of your boook? I am interested in the read. Thanks!!!

Sharona97

Great idea........I'm disabled with COPD/Emphysema and last year had to put my license on hold due to costs and only having SS.......sure miss nursing a lot and also conversation! Thanks for the forum,will be here more often now.....

Thanks, i have such a memory dysfunction from the depression. This site takes the wind out of my sails, but i won't stop trying!

Sharona07

Thank You for the reply. Very positive. I plan on keeping up the real strenghtening of my posterior major muscle groups to RETURN to my calling!!!! I am a nurse. I'm not afraid to recognize my respiratory laryngealspasms and bronchospasms, but I do have some fear I may never gain the endurance back again. I've thought about teaching, bit that means class time which would take me out of focus of what I'm doing now. I am 48.