Hello, 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 liason 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 and my employer is denying the validity of the claim. While this has to be worked out in court, which could take months, I have lost the only source of income for my family...me. I have no income and bills that will not wait. My biggest fear is that I will loose my home since I am unable to pay my mortgage of $296 per month and it is already overdue. It is so difficult to ask for help, but I would imagine it is just as difficult to offer help to someone you do not know so if I may, I will give you 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 and I was up to the challenge. 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 had my work cut out for me too. We had bought an extreme fixer-upper, but I fell in love with the house at first sight and knew, once the work was finished, it would be a wonderful home to grow old in. We have been doing all the work ourselves, but the work on our home has come to a stand still since there is not money to complete the projects still needing to be done.
Don't get me wrong. I do not mind living in our home that still needs so much work. I figured we may even be able to do without electricity if it comes to that, but I am terrified to loose our home. We would then be put out in the streets.
If anyone is able to help, I would be so greatful. And please, any help would be appreciated, no matter what it is.
Thank you for taking the time to ready my story.
Bless you all!
