[BipolaRNurse]

Yep, I'm unemployed again. This job was with the state government as a nursing home inspector, and I've only been at it for 4 months. I just could NOT get the hang of the computer programs they use, nor memorize the reams of information I was supposed to know, and I was released from my trial service on Friday.

This is no big shocker. I knew I was in over my head by the end of the first week, and it just didn't get any better. But I'm glad I tried it....I would've kicked myself forever if I hadn't given it a shot. You have to have some pretty good stuff going for you to even get an interview for such a position, let alone actually be selected, so I can't get too down on myself for washing out of the training program.

However, it does point out the necessity of looking for work that doesn't tax my damaged brain too much. It's why I had to retire from clinical nursing. I can't in good conscience hold lives in my hands when my memory is crap and I have the attention span of a fruit fly. But I'm also tired of holding positions that I can't leave at the door when I go home, and I've decided that what I want is a JOB, not a career.

I'm scared to go back to being poor. It sucked when we were. But my hubby and me, we don't need a lot, and for the sake of my sanity I think I'm going to have to go with something that pays less but allows me to live my actual life. I'm just not wild about the idea of living in a cardboard box behind the strip mall, you know?

Anybody have any suggestions other than filing for disability? I wouldn't qualify anyway because I'm not completely disabled, and my pdoc and I both agree that I need the structure that a job provides. I'm open to just about anything, other than telephone soliciting or prostitution. LOL.

[Standup2me]

I don't know much about your profession, but is it possible to do something
less hard on you?

Are there other kinds of nursing?

[waiting4]

If you have a medical background you might try being a receptionist at any number of medical facilities .... doesn't have to be a hospital, more like a quick care, or chiropractor or something of that nature, as long as you don't mind dealing with the public. Not that much to remember, (even the computer programs). I should know as I do something similar and it's much less stress than a lot of jobs I've had. I hope to retire from it someday....gives me a sense of fulfillment without making me nerve wrecked....

I understand your concerns for the kind of employment you want and need and I wish all the best for you (((hugs)))

[Curiosity77]

Sorry to hear that happened to you. Do you want to stay with nursing or do something else? Could you find a low stress nursing job, like maybe in a mellow community clinic?

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[Victoria'smom]

Can you go down to a medical assistent position in a office setting. So you do basic info, and initial vitals

School nurse?

[BipolaRNurse]

is there really such a thing as a low stress nursing job?

I am really sorry about your job, I know you had high hopes for it.

doc in a box maybe? I'm thinking the limited hour urgent care places.

[swheaton]

I'm so sorry. If you like caregiving, I'm sure you could still work as a nurse. Maybe a small practice? I face memory challenges as an MA...I can't even imagine what a nurse goes thru.

[Flummixed]

I myself have a hard time dealing with a career. I just don't think I can handle the kind of dedication and responsibility that a career requires. I like you need a job that I can walk out after a days work and not think about it again. I am fortunate to have such a job and it pays well enough that I own a mortgage on a nice house and am not poor. I'm a shipping clerk at a food production facility and although it gets a little hectic from time to time its not very stressful. Maybe you could look for similar opportunities like in a factory or assembly line type work. Some places pay better wages then you would think.

[r010159]

Originally Posted by BipolaRNurse

Yep, I'm unemployed again. This job was with the state government as a nursing home inspector, and I've only been at it for 4 months. I just could NOT get the hang of the computer programs they use, nor memorize the reams of information I was supposed to know, and I was released from my trial service on Friday.

[snip]

However, it does point out the necessity of looking for work that doesn't tax my damaged brain too much. It's why I had to retire from clinical nursing. I can't in good conscience hold lives in my hands when my memory is crap and I have the attention span of a fruit fly. But I'm also tired of holding positions that I can't leave at the door when I go home, and I've decided that what I want is a JOB, not a career.

I'm scared to go back to being poor. It sucked when we were. But my hubby and me, we don't need a lot, and for the sake of my sanity I think I'm going to have to go with something that pays less but allows me to live my actual life. I'm just not wild about the idea of living in a cardboard box behind the strip mall, you know?

Anybody have any suggestions other than filing for disability? I wouldn't qualify anyway because I'm not completely disabled, and my pdoc and I both agree that I need the structure that a job provides. I'm open to just about anything, other than telephone soliciting or prostitution. LOL.

I am afraid to go back into my career of computers. I am so far behind in understanding the newer technology. And the job is demanding. I am afraid of being fired. Maybe I should look for sone low stress job that I can leave behind at the end of a day. This may not pay as much, but maybe I can be happier this way?

[swheaton]

Sometimes I wonder if we should focus on careers, or just focus on being happy with what we do. Too much stress!!!

[~Christina]

Home health care .. like wound care , diabetes care etc ,,,.,,. Low stress good pay and nothing to really learn except to make nursing notes which you already know how to do.

Hang in there .. you can and will find something that "fits you"

[Victoria'smom]

My mom loved being a county home health aid. It gave her the freedom to make her own schedule and she finished her charts anywhere in the county. During the summer it was often at a picnic table in the park.

[grandmaof3]

My sister recently got a job working for Anthem Blue Cross as a telephone nurse. She says its not stressful and she still gets to use her nursing skills. She talks to patients on the phone who recently got a new diagnosis and helps them learn to manage their health care. I'm a nurse too and I'm giving thought to doing something like that. Over the last few years I've noticed that my memory is full of holes and I have a hard time concentrating. I know what you mean about holding peoples lives in your hands. It is very stressful.

[Yoda]

I always thought poison control would be a good job. You would have a database full of information to peruse and advise callers on appropriate actions.

Or working in preadmission testing would be low stress. You come in early in the morning and make sure clients have bloodwork, EKGs, xrays and stuff they need for their procedures and do what needs done.

[BipolaRNurse]

These are some really good ideas! I knew I'd come to the right place for advice on my next move. Thank you everyone, and if you come up with more ideas, I'll be here.

[medicalfox]

Being a home health nurse requires a lot of driving, but besides that seems pretty good/easy.

I interned for school nurses before and that seems relatively easy and not very stressful. A lot of students try to get sent home though so you might have to deal with some shenanigans. They didn't have to do a lot of gtube feedings and mostly sat at their desks while students would come in at certain times to get their meds or have their blood glucose levels checked during lunch.

[BipolaRNurse]

In my neck of the woods, school nurses are practically nonexistent, and the few that exist have to have a bachelor's degree at minimum (I have an associate's). I appreciate the thought, but kids just aren't my 'thing'. I like the folks at the other end of life, which might make home health a viable option. I do hate driving but I think I'd like the 1:1 with patients.

There's a local home-health agency that has openings. I'm not sure I can really do clinical nursing anymore but I'll check it out anyway.

[Yoda]

How about hospice? You like geriatrics already. My cousin just got her RN this spring and she wants to do hospice because her dad spent his last days in hospice and she sees how important this time is to patients and their loved ones.

Personally I wouldn't want to do home health care because the nurses I know that did it say the paperwork is a PIA. But some people do enjoy it.