Need Advice Re: Employment

[pandora]

I know that the hard work is paying off. I know that I am still having bad days but they are fewer and far between.

My problem is that I think that possibly they might send me back to work...although I am not really sure yet. My back is better controlled although I take pretty strong pain killers daily and I still can't lift more than 10 pounds. I still have severe digestive problems. blah blah blah.

I am on disability through my employer. I was sent forms to fill out for canada pension. They just came back as they denied me....saying my disability was not prolonged nor severe? I haven't worked in 3 and a half years. I will appeal it for now but I really want to go back to work.

Any time I have even a bit of anxiety, I still shake (it used to be constant...non-stop all day) so way better. I still have migraines...a couple a month, not every week. I WANT to go back to work.

I am a Registered nurse......How the heck am I ever going to find a non-stressful nursing job??????? I am so confused. Will my employer have to re-educate me? Any advice would be helpful.

 

[batgirl]

Could you work in a small clinic or some other kind of private setting rather than on the ward of a hospital? There's a nurse at the clinic I go to, who works for 2 doctors only. I think she mostly just does vitals for the patients who come in, as well as giving flu shots, some medical advice, etc. I assume that would be less stressful than working on a ward? Or, if your employer would fund it, could you go back to school and further your nursing studies? Like say, get a masters degree so you could teach nursing instead of practicing? I don't know, just a couple of ideas.

 

[Linda]

Hi Pandora.
There is hopefully a useful advise for you, I mean how to find a non-stressful nursing job. Maybe there are oppurtunities for you somewhere outside hospitals: research, educating, writing and so on. Of course, as Evie mentioned, working for a small clinic may suit you as well. Also (although I do not know how it works in Canada) you may think of becoming a U-sound, X-ray, or MRI technician - those guys work Monday-Friday 8-5 and their job is much less stressful than nurse's.
Good luck,
Linda

 

[pandora]

Thanx batgirl...I have already taught the personal support worker course in edmonton...now I can't stand up in front of a group of people without shaking....also worked for a family md and gave all the injections etc...kept him organized and again the shaking is what worries me. They are great ideas.....My memory is shot....UUUGGGHHH....Can you tell I am a bit stressed about this....nursing is all I know and with this body and these symptoms. I really don't know what to do.

 

[pandora]

Thanx Linda too......research, writing...hhmmmm.....maybe.....

 

[Linda]

I know some people who are vet techs, as I am, but they work in pharmaceutical industry, or pet product companies, or something like that. They do mostly technical job and do not deal that much with animals. Maybe you can go in similar direction?

 

[metis-siren]

Just off the top of my head, I don't know if this would be of any help - but we do have telehealth in Ontario, and that (I don't know where they're based) it might be less physically stressful.

As for CPP, have you thought of applying for ODSP in conjunction (you can be on both at the same time), at the very least it might offer some support while you appeal the CPP decision.

 

[empowered]

Hi Pandora,

I'm also an RN, I don't think I'll ever go back to all that stress! I've already tried to go back a few times.:wall:

I have considered Diabetes education as maybe one of my options and you may be able to do that without getting in front of people as alot of it involves 1 on 1.

Sindy :smile:

 

[Seeking_Nirvana]

HI Pandora,

My neurologist has two employees. One is a nurse and one is a receptionist. It seems very laid back there, and it is such a small practice since he is the only doctor. Maybe this type of setting would be right for your situation.

Tammy

 

[Deleted member 541]

Pand,

I have no advice as to your field of expertise, but wanted to say this. If you feel that you are ready physically, mentally, and want to go back to work, then do it. The only one that can make that decision is you.

I would also caution you NOT to get to upset over it yet. try not to let yourself get all stressed out just yet. Your employer hasn't asked that you come back to work yet. Let things happen on there own. I would take all the time that you have right now to continue feeling better. When it happens, then start the process of getting back into the work force. Until then take what time you have and keep working on you.

Glad that you are feeling better.

 

[batgirl]

Oh I just wanted to say Pandora as you probably know, virtually everyone gets denied for CPP the first time around. I'm glad your going to reapply. I like Metis' idea about telehealth, we have that a similar helpline where I live too, it is staffed by RNs totally if I'm not mistaken. Though with that job you'd likely be sitting down a lot so I'm not sure how that would be with your back.

I just re-read your original post (sorry I didn't totally read it the first time round, was in a rush last night). You haven't worked for three and a half years? Actually that's quite a long time and it's no wonder you're nervous. Even people without PTSD would be nervous after being out of the workforce for that long. Is your employer planning on letting you start out with part time or a job share? Most people who've been out of work for a while start out part time rather than full time. I think that might lessen your anxiety a bit?

 

[pandora]

Hi Batgirl......I was off the first two years due to the PTSD....was supposed to return last year aug 2006..that is when I found out about degenerative discs...spinal cord kinked (blah blah) So..the supervisors position that I was in......I felt that it would be too stressful so they found me a position in a nursing home and I was going to work nights (I thought it would be easier and less stressful) A month before returning my back issues were diagnosed. That was one and a half years ago...it is not my employer pushing for me to return..it is canada pension that denied me not my own disability. I am afraid that they might cut me off...of course catastrophizing. I would only start part-time...that was agreed on when I was going to return but now with my back issues....UUUGGGHHHH.

I know I am just excessively worrying but I have a lot going on so of course....worry..worry..worry. Thank you everyone for your responses.