[chevyv]

I just found out today that I passed my lpn boards (Yea Me). Anyway, now that I'm actively looking for a job, I was wondering if I should mention that I am a partial foot amputee. My gut tells me that its none of their business, but many jobs have a physical exam to pass before you can be hired. Once I take my shoe off, it will be very obvious and I can't really walk pain free unless I have my toe piece in my shoe. Any advice before I interview is greatly appreciated.

[pattyewlpn]

From another recent board passer - 8/8/08!!!

I would go with your gut. If you felt there was a need then I would say something, but until then it's not really anyone else's business.

[agw505]

Chevy,

I became a RBK amputee in 1966. I went to nursing school in 1976, passed boards in 1977 and went to work that year. The school and hospital were aware of my amputation, but after moving back to my hometown, I went to work at a local small hospital. There was only the question " Do you have any reason you are unable to do the job you are applying for? " ( Or something to that effect ) and I answered "No" because I could do anything anyone else could.

Under list your surgeries you have had, I put rt below knee amputation. There were people I worked with that didn't know it after a year or more, until something came up and I had to miss a day because of a problem with my leg. I worked there for 27 years, 12 hour shifts the last 10 years.

I stayed off 3 years, went to work last year in a nursing home, the same thing occurred. Don't ask, don't tell is my motto. They found out eventually, but again, I was doing the same job the others were, no problems. I quit there this month ( management problems ) and have been hired by a home health agency, and start this week.

Each time I apply for a job I put no for is there any reason you are unable to perform your duties, and list my surgery in the appropriate place. It's up to the person reading your application to find out you are an amputee. The problem with that is they skim over, don't read or comprehend very well. The up side to this is by the time they find out, you have already proved yourself. There is no down side because there is now a law which says they cannot discriminate against you because of any disability you may have. Not bragging but I was able to do the same job better that some that had two good legs!
On another note: All the physicals I have had consist of TPR and BP, sometimes blood work, I never had to remove anything for any work physical I have had. These are just my thoughts, you can go with your own feelings. Good luck and God bless you in finding a great job. I think that people like us who start out with something like amputations have already proved our worth, my training was in a 600 bed hospital, trust me when I say I covered every inch of that place, more than once!

[chevyv]

Thank you for sharing your experiences. I just filled out my first app and put no under the question regarding any reason that I would not be able to perform my duties. I decided to go with the same motto as you. I can do my job just as well as any other nurse. If they take issue with my foot, then I guess its not a place I want to work for anyway. Thank you again for your pearls of wisdom

[isotop235]

My physical exam consisted of a Drug/Urine screen and a set of vitals. So don't let them put a cuff below your knee and no pot smoking with your bad foot. LOL-good luck

[MU/WVUGRADRN]

I am a below knee amputee and was fortunately blessed to get a job in my hospital that suits my needs. I have worked for 4 years after my amputation and have missed one week in those four years because of a problem with my amputation. I know others without a disability who have missed much more time from work.
I was once a manager and a nurse with an amputated forearm got a job on my unit. She was more productive that a lot of the other nurses. She did a great job. Obviously she could not hide her disability.
I agree with the other ones who have posted. Answer the question honestly when it asks if you can perform all duties of the job. They do not need to know anything other than that fact.
Good luck.