Wondering what to do! HELP

Nurses Recovery

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Specializes in orthopedics, med/surgery.

I am getting ready to start MIchigan's HPRP program. I have read on the board of others' trials and tribulations of finding a job. I lost my llcense many years ago (1986),, found another career(engineering in Mi automotive, not so hot right now). I got laid off in June 06 and decided to apply for reinstatement of my license. My reinstatement was approved and I was required to take the NCLEX and do 80 hrs clinicals. The only way to do the clinicals was to take a class, the class is almost over, clinicals start soon.

My dilemna is that I have had 2 hip replacements and may need a knee replacement soon. I am 54 and receive Social Security. It's not quite enough to pay the bills. Between all restrictions from HPRP and my bad limp and the financial burden, I'm not so sure it's worth it.

Is finding a job that difficult?

Any input would be appreciated.

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Watch Susan Boyles on youtube and answer your own question. No one defines or limits you, accept you. You create your own reality. I graduated from college with a man that was 84 and it was his lifetime dream to get a baccalaureate. Do what makes you happy and fulfilled and the world be damned.

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Specializes in ICU.

Just try your best, and don't give up. The best thing for you, probably, is LTC. Are you an RN? If so, it is mostly paperwork.

You have come this far, don't give up. !!

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Specializes in orthopedics, med/surgery.

Thanks for the feedback. Just some more info for clarification. I does seem like I am giving up. I am not working, on disability for the hip replacements and bipolar disorder. I can make a certain amt of money each month w/o affecting my benefits. So I subbed for a 2nd grade class on Thurs. I did a fair amt of walking, but not too bad, more than a normal day for me. By the time, the class was over I could barely walk, I was limping badly, I have less ROM in my right knee and stairs are difficult. I can barely manage to walk around the block.

I am scheduled to start receiving Supartz injections into my knee next Wed. You get 5 inj for 5 weeks. My clinicals start May 7th. I don't think my instructor will be quite as forgiving as 2nd graders. I guess we'll have to see how the 1st and 2nd inj go.

So lots of unknowns, that will be discovered here in next couple weeks.

I've also decided to start my job hunt now. Perhaps visit a hospital I was told was recovery friendly. But the narcotic restriction may rule out floors as well as the 12m 7am restriction. and the financial part could prove difficult as I am short $600 dollars each month. I have been living off the retroactive/back pay I received last yr but that is going to run out next yr. And paying for group will make that happen a lot sooner.

I am not being negative just realistic.

So in 2 weeks I will if my mobility improves. If that improves then I would do the clinicals then on to HPRP and looking for a job.

So really it all hinges on how successful the Supartz injections are. My OS says I will need a knee replacement sometime in the future. So here's hoping the injections work. It is a crap shoot with them.

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I noticed there a a number of nursing positions in the insurance industry. They are a bunch of blood suckers but you could do case assessment. At least you would be sitting and the pay is good.

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If you have a restriction against home health, once it is over, you could work with peds cases. Small children or infants that don't require a lot of physical activity. I've met older nurses who work with infants in the home because they don't weigh much and are easier to handle physically. And there are administrative jobs that you could do. Perhaps you could meet with someone in the Dept of Rehabilitation who could advise you in this respect, or you could talk to someone at your review course who could give you some leads. Good luck.

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