I am 60 yrs old and experiencing slower, longer cognitive abilities. I have ADD and on a stimulant med. Recently I started a new job, and was let go (it was a new startup line of business, lacked structure still, and I lacked a key skill so it was a poor fit overall), but it was apparent to me that I have become very visual, need clearly written notes for reference, and had some short term memory issues to retain certain info to complete a task. Now I am unemployed, have bills fit for a nursing salary, but am fearful that my cognitive abilities make nursing perhaps too challenging. I've never worked in a hospital setting since my early nursing days, so I can't say I'd be competent to practice with any clinical intensity role. Mostly administrative. No UM experience. Considering job retraining/return to practice through DOL UI. Some of my concerns are shaken confidence, but I saw through this experience I do have STM and processing speed deficits, enough to make it clear that I struggled with some tasks I shouldn't. Is there a place for me in nursing still? Or do I reconcile that I just might have to work a different field? What is a good fit for nurses who are likely to continue cognitively declining?

I understand that you are currently facing challenges related to your cognitive abilities and are exploring your options in nursing or potentially considering other fields. It's commendable that you're actively seeking a path that aligns with your skills and career aspirations. See your provider for treatment for STM (short-term memory loss) and cognitive decline, as well as for a diagnosis, which you may need to access resources. Here are some things you may want to consider as you decide. Reflect on your strengths and weaknesses, considering both your nursing experience and recent challenges. Identify the specific areas where you feel most confident and where you may struggle. Connect with nursing professionals who have diverse roles and experiences. Seek advice from mentors or colleagues who may provide insights into alternative nursing roles or potential career paths. Adaptation Strategies Identify strategies to overcome cognitive challenges. You can use tools like visual aids, checklists, and quick notes on your phone. Take pictures of things you may want to remember later, such as a recipe, a product you want to buy from the store, or a street sign. Set alerts on your phone for specific times as an effective way to stay on track. Search for memory aid apps. Use organizational systems to support your workflow and memory, for example, color-coded notes. Try to keep everything in the same place and follow routines, such as a nightly routine that includes brushing your teeth, giving your dog her medication, turning off lights, and checking that the garage door is closed. Routines at home and work help you stay organized and ensure you don't forget important tasks. Retraining Explore the retraining and return-to-practice programs your local Department of Labor (DOL) or other educational institutions offer. These programs help individuals update their skills and knowledge and confidently re-enter the workforce. Participating in one of these programs can help you further identify your strengths and limitations. Additionally, you can make valuable connections that could lead to employment opportunities. Speak with healthcare career counselors or vocational guidance professionals who can provide personalized advice based on your situation, skills, and interests. Non-clinical roles Jobs that do not involve clinical intensity, stressful or fast-paced situations, and those that allow for a degree of autonomy without being overly demanding may be more appropriate. Look into non-clinical roles within healthcare organizations or related industries. These roles may leverage your nursing background while focusing more on administrative, educational, or managerial responsibilities. Use indeed.com with the keywords "non-clinical." Explore nursing roles less demanding in clinical intensity but still utilize your nursing knowledge. This could include roles in: Case management, community health Research or education Consider roles involving patient teaching due to their repetitive nature, which may suit you. Pre-op registration Diabetic clinics or cardiac rehab Consider allied health roles. Explore allied health roles that may align with your background, such as Healthcare administration Medical billing and coding Healthcare consulting or wellness nurse Support Evaluate the work environment and culture. A supportive and understanding workplace may be more accommodating to your needs. You have the right to keep your medical information confidential. However, if you disclose it, you can request accommodations, such as additional training time, written instructions, a modified break schedule, or visual schedulers. Nurses with cognitive disabilities can be well-supported in the workplace with thoughtful and individualized accommodations. Employers are responsible for providing these accommodations under ADA guidelines and fostering an inclusive work culture. If you decide the challenges are too significant, exploring related fields or roles outside of nursing may be a valid option. Consulting with healthcare career professionals, mentors, or counselors can provide valuable guidance as you navigate this transition. Best wishes, Nurse Beth Resources Exceptional Nurse Job Accommodation Network National Organization of Nurses with Disabilities

What job can I do with cognitive decline?

Dear Nurse Beth Advice Column - The following letter submitted anonymously in search for answers. Join the conversation!

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Fred Smith

2 Posts

Jul 29, 2024

I have similar issues. History of hypertension. Word finding difficulties. Forgetting names. Inability to multitask. Headaches and mental fatigue. Was referred to a neurologist. MRI showed flair and white matter T2 hypertensities. Dr dx'd me with small vessel ischemic disease. Will be going to neurocognitive testing soon and a memory center. As a nurse, I feel it an obligation to exit the profession after which point I don't feel safe or competent. Please consider this in your decision making.

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Amy Tidwell

2 Posts

May 27

I am in thr same boat, I gotta sepsis last year an was out of work for 6 months went back to an office setting an I am having a hard tine with thr EMR. I Have filed for social security but who knows if an when that will be approved.

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Amy Tidwell

2 Posts

May 30

I am 57 and suffered with sepsis last year. Just went back to work in an office setting and I am having trouble with Epic,, the medical documentation system. I applied for disability because at the time I had physical issues as well. This is a great paying job and not real difficult, but I am struggling.

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