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Help. Scholarships
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Question:
Does anyone know of any scholarships available for a disabled nurse who has
to go back to school to advance degree. I am unable to lift 200 + lb pt's
anymore. Herniated 4 cervical discs. Do you think the hospital really cared?
Answer:
Does anyone know of any scholarships available for a disabled nurse who has
to go back to school to advance degree. I am unable to lift 200 + lb pt's
anymore. Herniated 4 cervical discs. Do you think the hospital really cared?
Do you have a BSN?
Did you injure yourself on the job?
If so, has a final hearing been held with Workers Comp?
Workers comp and vocational rehabilitation regs vary from state to state. I am
permanently disabled, as well, and have a BSN & M.S. in Administration. Here
in the state of Florida, Vocational Rehab must only supply me with appropriate
vocational testing. Even though I am permanently disabled and not able to
work in either area, they do not have to fund re-education. I've gone back to
graduate school, at a state university, to get additional education. I've done
this so I can find employment within my limitations.
Prior to my injuries, I was a Rehab Nurse and Voc. Counselor. I would offer
you the following suggestions, for free, I use to be paid $150/hour for them.
1. Contact Voc Rehab in NYS. See if they will do the appropriate
testing and perhaps funding.
2. Are you close to C.W. Post? As part of Long Island University
(Brooklyn Center) they
have offered grants and other funding for the
disabled.
3. Contact the nearest State University of New
York that offers a degree in what you are
interested in. Their financial aid and disabled students offices should
be able to help you.
4. Before doing any of this you need to do the following and have these
papers:
a. Ask your doctor if you are at maximum
medical improvement. If so, get a letter
that states this, as well as any restrictions
he may have. I am assuming you meant
no lifting over 20lbs. not 200.
b. Get unofficial transcripts from any school
you attended after high school.
c. Get copies of your medical records, you
will need them to prove the extent of
your injuries. You need-doctor's formal
notes, admission and discharge summaries of all
in patient hospitalizations;
consults reports; surgical notes, any PT
or OT; if work related-copies of your
notice of injury and paperwork related
to their findings; a copy of your last
state and federal income taxes returns;
copy of your NYS Nurses license.
5. I cannot remember if community colleges are suppose to offer evaluations
for retraining in your area. Contact them and your local school district
regarding vocational testing.
6. You need to have a plan of what you want to do-what school, program, etc.
As long as you do not request training in an area of nursing that violates your
restricts. If you're interested in another area in nursing, contact the
program and ask for an appointment with the program director. They will know if
it is within your limitations.
7. As long as you choose, within your limitations and your grades are good,
they cannot turn you down because of tour limitations. To do so would be in violation of the Americans With Disability Act.
I must use a wheelchair at times and the program I am in, initially refused to
accept my application. Discussions with the Students With Disabilities Office
changed their mind.
Please feel free to e-mail me if you have any more questions.
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