u/Difficult-Space-1693

I’m considering filing for short-term disability (STD) for mental health, but I have no idea how the process works.
A few questions:
• What was the process like for you?
• Did your primary care provider fill out the paperwork, or did you need a psychiatrist or therapist?
• How difficult was it to get approved?
• How much notice did you have to give your manager before taking leave? Was it immediate, or did you work a notice period?
• Did you use Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) at the same time as STD?
• Did taking leave actually help your mental health?
I’m in the U.S. and just looking to hear others’ experiences. I’m feeling really overwhelmed and don’t know what my next step should be.

could really use some advice from people who have been through this.

I’ve been in the ICU for about 9 months and I’m trying so hard to make it to my one-year mark, but my mental health is really suffering. I’ve developed severe anxiety, started medication, and I’m still struggling. Every shift feels like a battle, and even waking up on the mornings I work fills me with dread.

Before ICU, I worked in med-surg, so I do have previous bedside experience. I’ve been applying to other nursing jobs (PACU, outpatient, procedural areas, etc.), but I haven’t had much luck getting interviews or offers.
I’m wondering if employers are looking at my ICU experience and thinking it’s too short.

Would waiting until I hit one full year make a noticeable difference? Or should I just keep applying now and hope something sticks?
I was also considering FMLA for mental health . I’m all over the place but know this job is not for me . I have it mt best shot and it’s made me a worse person .

I really need some reassurance because I’m feeling awful.
I have a 6-year-old Australian Shepherd who has always been incredibly friendly. She’s never bitten a person or another dog before. We just brought home a 2-month-old Aussie puppy, and today he got really energetic and was constantly in her face. She gave him a quick nip.
I’m so upset because she’s never done anything like this before. It wasn’t an unprovoked attack—he was being a typical puppy and wouldn’t leave her alone—but now I’m worried. Is this a normal correction from an older dog setting boundaries, or is this something I should be really concerned about?
For those of you with multiple dogs, especially Aussies, did your older dog ever nip your puppy while they were adjusting? Any advice on helping them build a good relationship would really help. I just want to do the right thing and I’m feeling so guilt

I switched to the ICU in October, but my first month was spent on the stepdown unit as part of my ICU orientation. I was doing ICU modules and onboarding during that time, then officially started taking ICU patients on the actual ICU unit in November.

I’m updating my resume and I’m not sure how to list it. Would you put ICU RN: October–Present since orientation started then, or November–Present since that’s when I was physically on the ICU?

Part of me is asking because I’m really trying to make it to the one-year mark before leaving. I’m honestly struggling so much. I hate the ICU, and if that orientation month counts, it gives me a little bit of a buffer.
Has anyone else been in this situation? Did employers count your orientation as part of your ICU experience, or only the time after you were independently working on the unit? And how did you list it on your resume?
I’m just feeling really burned out and trying to make the smartest decision without misrepresenting my experience. Any advice would be appreciated.