What can I do now that I can no longer perform the work I have been doing for all these years?

Question

I am a 52 year old LPN nurse who has been working for 28 years. My body is breaking down but my mind is still sharp. I am still mobile and independent but I don't know how much longer I can continue with patient care. I have considered claiming disibillity but would still like to continue to do some kind of work in my field. I have hypertension with elevated cholesterol and have type 2 diabetes. I am starting to have some signs of neuropathy in my lower extremities. I have 2 bulging disc in my lower back, just from years of wear and tear. I have extreme difficulty in lifting and turning patients any more. Up until this last week I was still working 48 to 64 hrs a week and making a really good living. Unfortunately my health is suffering terribly because of my work. I have a Doctors appointment tomorrow. It's only been a month since my last appointment but my blood sugar levels are becoming more unstable and at the most he won't allow me to go longer than 3 months without a checkup. I am not financially stable and am so afraid of how I am going to make ends meet if I can't continue to work but I just don't know what else I can do.

Answer 1

Many health care companies operate nurse advice/hotlines where people call in to get advice or the nurse calls them to help with chronic diseases (offering advice, checking on them, etc.).  Also, many doctors' offices hire nurses which would be easier on you and still use your skills.  If you can afford it, you could try to get your Bachelor's degree in nursing and then see about teaching, would would keep you in the health care field and use the knowledge you have built up.

There are many avenues for a skilled nurse, why not talk to some nurses who have moved from hospitals to other jobs.  Also, try an employment agency - tell them specifically what you can't do...given the nursing shortage, there should be many opportunities.

Answer 2

Work for the State as a nurse in the welfare office..Pay would be good and the work isn't strenious. Paperwork mostly. Or Home health, or hospice..

Answer 3

Some nurses help lawyers or insurance companies by reviewing medical records to determine the validity of claims.  

Answer 4

Perhaps because you are still quite young to have these environmental and dietary induced health issues, it would be wiser to take some time to change your lifestyle and diet. Based on your diagnosis, it's not your work that's making your health suffer, it's your health/lifestyle that's destroying your career. It is entirely possible to control type 2 diabetes with serious diet changes along with your standard meds. You being an lpn you of course already know this. Hypertension and elevated cholesterol will be addressed while you're changing your diet. The bulging discs may be something quite treatable and also helped by some weight loss. I'm hoping you aren't foolish enough to be a smoker with all these serious health issues. But if you are, stop it! Get whatever help you need to stop doing something that is killing you. Nicotine addiction is a curable condition. Unless you just don't feel like giving up something that's killing you and everyone you smoke around. Period. It would be far better to address the cause than give up your career and keep these foolish habits. This will take commitment , love for yourself, family and determination along with a dr.s care but if you care about your health , your family and your career, you'll do it. The system (we taxpayers)do not need someone on disability that could have helped themselves first! Good luck to you.