Question:
Dear Donna,
Do you know of any organizations that offer financial assistance to RNs in need? I know an RN who has dealt with income loss after suffering a major medical crisis that was not work related. The multiple injuries, including brain trauma, are expected to affect her ability to work for six to 12 months.
Shelley
Dear Donna replies:
Dear Shelley,
Start by submitting an application to Nurses House (www.nursehouse.org), a charitable organization that grants temporary financial help to nurses who are coping with illness, injury, etc. If the nurse belongs to any professional associations, you should check with them because a few have similar funds for members in need.
I also would check with her state chapter of the American Nurses Association (whether or not she is a member) to see whether they know of any state-specific programs for nurses in need. Find them at www.ana.org by clicking on ?Constituent Member Associations.?
Is the nurse in question eligible for Social Security Disability benefits? I know that SSD can be a drawn-out process, but it is worth a shot if she hasn?t already applied. Some states also have additional benefits for individuals unable to work because of illness or injury who do not qualify for worker?s compensation. Ask her primary care provider for help with that.
Other than that, I would check with her town government to see about local assistance programs for residents in need. Religious groups may be willing to help in different ways, too.
Best wishes,
Donna
