Roll call

[kkmom]

Hi to my fellow spineys, I am not on that often, I am on here and there. So many changes these past few weeks. I have been in my new place for 2 weeks and love it. My doc decreased my work restrictions to no patient transfers and no liffting over 20lbs, now can you believe my employer can not find work for me, i have been at this company 10 years and the comp. I work for is the comp. that provides my medical care Kaiser. I am pissed because I am ready to go back and they wont let me. I went to speak to the head boss yesterday and she said there is no work, now my immediate supervisor let it leak that there are 2 office positions coming up, when I brought this up to the head boss, she said, well when they are available apply like everyone else. Can you believe this crap. And they said if I do light duty work it is only for 90 days then bamm! Most likely I will not be able to return to patient care, but I can do office work, I am a nurse with a degree, my goodness. I am so frustrated because I worked so hard to get where I am now. I guess due to all the stress, my left leg has been in terrible pain, can hardly walk these past 2 days. This makes me afraid because I dont want to go back where I was. The pain never left but i was able to deal with it and function, but now it feels like its starting up again and that makes me angry!!!!

Well, anyway the reason for this post was just a little update, but I wanted to see how you all are doing? I am not on everyday like I used to be, I miss you all. But, I would like a update on you all. I have read most of the post, but it is so hard to keep up with all the post. I hope most of you are doing better. Please take care and God Bless each and everyone of you.

[GracefulOne]

KK,

All I can say is 'wow'!

Having a spouse and sister working in heatlhcare it still amazes me that the place that should be the most understanding of their employees health problems is very much the least understanding.

At my employer we have what is called a 'medical' relocate and basically the company will find you a job that accomodates your issues. I cannot believe that your employer has nothing like this, especially considering the high incidents of back injury in the nursing field.

I know how hard it is to be faced with changing employers, however, have you considered a possible career change such as working with insurance companies doing medical reviews and preauthorizations? I know in my area we have many health insurance companies who hire nurses and PT's for this type of position.

In addition, what about pursing a nurse practitioner degree and starting a career in a primary care office. I know that taking a job as an RN in a clinic is alot less pay, however, at least you could still continue to work and probably with alot less stress than your experiencing now. Additionally, what about taking a teaching position at a local technical college that has an Associate Degree Nursing Program? From what I know most adjunct professors make a decent income.

I really just wanted to let you know how much I feel for you...I was very close to finishing a nursing degree and am now rejoicing that I didn't because I couldn't handle all of the transfers and time on my feet working 12 hour shifts.

Good Luck.

[elmoJ_1974]

hello, I have to say being in healthcare is probably the worst profession for people to understand let alone care what you are going thru.

KK: we have the same profession and I left pt care (glad to be done with it anyway). I'm still working as one but in a different role. I don't have to lift but sitting is worse. I guess healthcare professionals are so "burnt" that there's no room to care for another thing. I'm sorry you are having a rough time with work right now but maybe doing what's best for you is the right thing. Unfortunately, there is rarely special treatment in this field. I wish you luck and happiness in whatever you decide.

[Roy47]

I agree there are other things that your skills are in much demand; The inusrance companies are a excellent field to look into for work - you have been there and now it is time for you to totally use your mind and not your body to do things for the most part.


I am 80% disabled and cannot lift anymore than you can EVER. that is a long time....I have found a job as a CSR and your skills are much needed - trust me. Your skills could and most likely will allow you to make much more mney than you currently make. A good title would be a NURSE CASE MANAGER or something like that. Most insurance companys have people that do that - as far as your BOSS; I feel every dog will have his or her day. What comes around goes around if yu ask me...I am a retired ARMY guy and have learned to say yes and really mean no. But that is the way life is. WE are all starting over and starting another career as a result of what has happened to all our bodies.


IT IS WHAT IT IS - IT ISN'T WHAT IT ISN'T.... I am sure that you have heard this before...



Best of luck in the future and the decisions that you make. HUGS


Roy47

[kkmom]

Hello, to all of you, thanks for the responses. You are all right, and the position I wanted was a intake coordinator or case manager I can do any of these with minimal training. I am seriously thinking about going back to school, it looks like I will be off for a while I guess. It just sucks when you work so hard to get better physically and mentally and to want something and cant get it. It was hard for me to get to this point. Just months ago I could hardly walk and was just miserable. I still have pain daily, some days are worse, but I try my hardest not to give in. I pray that I am not making myself worse. The surgeon called again today to schedule surgery and I said no! I mean am I wrong for this? Will I regret not getting it?