[Palpitations]

I am in a big predicament. I loss my job last year in August due to health related absences. Since then, I've had a surgery that resulted in several complications. I had a trach for about 3 months. Now, I've just got a big dent in my neck. Anyway, I went for interviews after the thyroidectomy (the interviewer could see the scar) (and I could barely talk) and knew that I was fired from my last job for health related absences (The hospital was actually closing the unit and fired me to avoid paying me benefits.). I went on another interview and she could see the trach and knew that I was fired for health related absences. (Not looking so good am I.) The next problem: there are only two major hospitals in this town. I worked for both. One fired me, the other tried to kill me (botched surgery and all). There is a VA and there are some specialty type hospitals. They all want the nurses to work 12 hour shifts. There is no way in the world that I can work a 12 hour shift. It was hard on me even when I wasn't recovering from surgery. The 12 hour shift type jobs always seem to turn out to be more like 13 or 14 hour shifts.

Anyway, what should I put on my application when I'm seeking employment? How do I get around the health issues?

Thanks

Melinda

[Renee' Y-Y]

In these days of HIPAA, I'm curious as to how these prospective employers know that you were fired due to health reasons? And technically, you were let go because the unit was closing...right? Where are you looking for jobs? Where I'm at (Ft. Worth) they are not quite so choosy about who they hire because everyone is short...they would rather take the risk & hope that the employee turns out to be an asset rather than a hindrance. I, personally, wouldn't put anything related to health on any application. Reason for leaving last position...unit closed. I'm not an HR person but I'm thinking HR shouldn't be giving details about absences...if it is found out or brought up, explain situation & that it has been resolved and you're ready to come back to work.

[Palpitations]

Hi Renee, I got an offer for a job interview in Fort Worth, but I live in Kansas. What is Fort Worth like? I own a home, but I may have to move to save my career. That's a good idea about stating that the unit closed. It was in the news when the hospital closed all the SNU at their 3 facilities. I guess I will leave it at that, and see what happens.

Thanks

Originally Posted by Renee' Y-Y

In these days of HIPAA, I'm curious as to how these prospective employers know that you were fired due to health reasons? And technically, you were let go because the unit was closing...right? Where are you looking for jobs? Where I'm at (Ft. Worth) they are not quite so choosy about who they hire because everyone is short...they would rather take the risk & hope that the employee turns out to be an asset rather than a hindrance. I, personally, wouldn't put anything related to health on any application. Reason for leaving last position...unit closed. I'm not an HR person but I'm thinking HR shouldn't be giving details about absences...if it is found out or brought up, explain situation & that it has been resolved and you're ready to come back to work.

[Palpitations]

I called an agency that I used to work for and asked them about reactivation. They said that I would have to start out all over again (filling out paperwork and all), but what gets me is that they said "I heard that you've been sick." "How are you feeling?" "We will need a doctor statement that it's okay for you to work without restrictions."

Well, I never! I haven't worked for the place in 2 1/2 years and they want a doctor's statement. Seems like they're putting the cart before the horse. I thought that they were supposed to offer me a job before they could ask for a physical???

Oh well!

Melinda