Assistive devices at work

Nurses Disabilities

Published

UPUS AWARENESS MONTH: Hello.For those of you who do not know I have Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE) I am still working as a nurse. Everyday is a struggle with pain along with many other symptoms. Ambulating can be a struggle, problems with balance during flares has increased over last few months. My employer declined to allow me the usage of a cane at work. I spoke with my primary care provider and orthopedics doctor and they both agreed on a forearm crutch which would help with balance. I then requested a reasonable accommodation at work. It was finally approved Thursday! They are not happy to have to process and approve the request. While signing the approval papers I was approached on looking for another position that is less strenuous because they do not know how long I can continue doing my job. The medical field is not supportive of employing nurses with disabilities. I plan on changing that and I do believe this is a start. There is not a part of my job I can not do proficiently with the use of a forearm crutch. The ADA does not specifically cover SLE it does however cover a list of symptoms caused by SLE one of which is assistive devices for mobility and I was very verbal about researching the ADA and the possibility of filed charges for non-compliance of the federal law especially since I work for the government. Just thought I should definitely share this one....

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Specializes in retired LTC.

Thank you for sharing.

Best future wishes for you personally & professionally.

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Thank you for your persistence and courage to fight for your rights and for being an example and a encouragement to others with disabilities including myself. I went on disability in 2007 because of the need for b/l knee replacements. By the time my benefits kicked in to cover them (my health insurance expired after 3 months and I had to wait for Medicare to kick in) I needed a hip replacement as well. Besides 2 surgeries in 2010, I had 3 joint replacements in 2011 alone and a revision in December 2012. I had to have P/T for six months out of last year and may still need another surgery. During this time I chose to further my education because I knew whenever I did return to work it would be difficult getting a job that was not doing direct patient care without an advanced degree. I have obtained my BSN and am currently in a MSN program. My problem now is that I've been out of work for so long I feel I won't have relevancy in the current job market and will have difficulty competing especially with the current cultural focus on the perfect image of health being those who are youthful and strong, and like you it has been recommended that I use a forearm cane in a work setting. I still have a great deal to offer and a long way to go before I am at retirement age (I'm only 52).

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Specializes in retired LTC.

To rndlh1996 - holding good thoughts out to you too. Have similar issues but I've 10 years on you. My options are different.

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