This is the first time I’ve every done something like this and it is difficult so please bear with me. I am Kelly and I am a Registered Nurse. I've spent many years having the opportunity to do what I love, helping others in need. I have been the caregiver and advocate for others who are suffering from illness or injury and also a liaison for family members who are caught in the painful, sometime powerless feeling of watching their loved ones go through illness or injury.
Now I find myself in the position of needing help. I was injured at work, but I am told it will be months until I receive any help financially. I have lost just about everything, except my home. And I am terrified I will loose that too. As a nurse I have faced emergencies with skill and professionalism, but I’m afraid I’ve hit a problem I am not able to fix. As difficult as it is for me to ask for help, I would imagine it is also difficult for someone to offer help to a virtual stranger, so let me give you a bit of insight into who I am.
I accepted the position as Director of Nursing at my current job. This facility's pay is very low with no health insurance or other health benefits, no sick time, vacation or holiday pay. This facility also had a reputation of doing very badly during state visits and has an administrator who is known for treating her staff poorly and letting the people in her care do without even some of the most basic of needs.
I had my work cut out for me. But I did not take the job because it would be easy. I took the job because I saw a need for my skills and expertise and I knew I could make a difference in the lives of the patients and the staff. I firmly believe that everyone, regardless of their financial or social status, deserve the best care available. And with the help of other dedicated staff members, I was able to create an environment that was focused on the well-being of those under my care. The patients and staff now had someone who was not afraid to speak up for them. Someone who put the patient's needs above all else and set the standard for other health care professionals in the facility. Having State Survey cite no deficiencies (the first time in over 10 years) was an added bonus. But the best indicator that I was doing my job was on the faces of those in my care. It wasn't uncommon for me to clock out at three but not leave until four. As I would make my way toward the door, patients would stop me and want to talk to me, share stories with me or just want to exchange pleasantries as I left and make sure I was coming back 'tomorrow'.
In my private life, I purchased a major fixer-upper. But it was love at first sight! By doing the renovations ourselves, we have saved thousands I’m sure and it also helps that we have been lucky enough to find things others don’t want and use it for this task. Even though this project has had to come to a halt since I’ve been injured, I know that the rest of the ceilings will be put up, we’ll be able to paint the drywall and have a tub to use down the road.
But in the meanwhile, I am in what seems to be a hurt at work nightmare as my boss and the insurance company refuse to get me the medical treatment I so desperately need and agree to give me temporary total disability. I am so lost, scarred and in so much pain. My hope is that there are people out there who would be willing to help me financially or by any other means available. My mortgage is $296 per month (one advantage of getting such a fixer-upper). And since we have been cutting back on bills, my bills are about $150 per month. Any help at all would be so appreciated. I could even make arrangements to pay back a loan if someone is willing to help in that way.
I have heard that adversity can bring out the best in people. I believe that with my whole heart. I’ve been privileged enough to see it during my career. Finding this website has really opened some doors for me and it is my deepest desire that once I am back on my feet again, that I return the favor by helping others in need.
Thank you so much for reading my story.
Kelly
