Support a Nurse's Family After Tragic Injury

First things first! I would've never guessed I'd ever be in a situation asking for help. As a nurse, I clearly thought I would be able to advance my career and be able to support my family without any setbacks. 10+ years into a very rewarding career, I found myself in a terrible situation that a nurse would never expect to be in.

I was sucker-punched and knocked back onto concrete flooring that knocked me out. I cannot recall much of that day, other than it was early into the shift. I learned, days later, I was a Level 2 trauma in our ER. I was/am an employee of that ER.

I had to have plastics repair my face that day. That day was November 11th at 0750hrs. Worst day of my life! Our lives changed! My wife and 3 kids had to be told of what had happened in hopes they'd understand. I have a 13, 10, and 5-year-old kid that had to try and understand why Daddy was injured at work.

My wife, as strong as she could be, had to explain to our kids that their Daddy was hurt by an evil man but would try to recover strong. I have missed coaching and teaching my kids baseball and softball this year while still awaiting surgical repair.

Today, I am almost 6 months into my injury and still have not had surgical repair of my hamstring. I am still awaiting neuro clearance from lost concussion syndrome. I have knee surgery awaiting after the hamstring repair. I was told this past Monday that there's a high chance my injury is unrepairable due to how long it's been. I have basically been told that I will never be able to return to bedside nursing.

I am at a point where I've never been before. I am asking for help. I am asking for assistance. Not for me, but for my family. I will never beg but only plead for your help as we face what lies before us.