Bipolar SN is picky about shift, soon-to-be new grad can't work overnight

Katnip, RN · Sep 27, 2007

I can't help you with most of your questions, but when I was a new grad, I just stated that I could only work days. I never explained why, though it had nothing to do with mental health, I just knew that nights did not work well for me on a regular basis. My first job I did have to work once night every two months. My next jobs I always just said I was applying for days only.

RN1989 · Sep 27, 2007

I don't see any reason to tell them about your BP. That is not their business. Apply for day shift positions. If they offer you nights, kindly explain that for health reasons you are unable to work efficiently on the night shift. If you need to throw in that you are willing to work weekends only to get the day shift, then do it. Letting them know about your BP can be deadly to your career. It is illegal for them to ask you stuff about it. All they can ask is if you are able to fulfill the job duities with or without modifications. If you have to push the issue, then you have health issues but working the day shift is the modification needed to ensure that you are able to competently and efficiently complete your work.

SaderNurse05, BSN, RN · Sep 27, 2007

When I got my first job out of school I told the NM I could not work nights. I explained I would work more week ends if necessary, or evenings, but that if I took a job for night shift it would be a waste of both of our time. At first they said all they had was nights. I said thanks, that's fine, if something changes let me know. I repeated that I really wanted the opportunity to work there. Within 1 hour the NM called me back and said they had a day position available. At the same time, unbeknownst to me one of my fellow grads was applying to the same floor. She said they offerred nights and she said yes as quick as she could. She was shocked that I had asked for days or evenings. It took her 6 months to get to days. The thing is if you take a job working nights then they are going to expect you work nights. I would rahter be honest and not get a job where I cannot learn and/or practice safely. I would not disclose anything about BP. That is not the issue. The issue is you need a job where you do not have to work nights. Good luck and congratulations in advance!!!

happybunny1970 · Sep 27, 2007

There is some good advice here... There is no reason to disclose ANYTHING about your personal life. Keep your private life private. Look for and apply for only day positions, and that is what you SHOULD get interviews for. Sure, if it's a busy acute unit they might make an offer of nights, but there's much more to nursing than just working a hospital floor. You might even consider someplace that is only open days -- GI Lab, a physician's office, Day Surgery, etc.

It's true that many of us as new grads feel like we have to start at the "bottom of the totem pole," and I do believe that we all have to "pay our dues," but with some careful searching you may be pleased to find that there are lots more opportunities out there than you first imagined.

Good luck!

cmo421 · Sep 27, 2007

One has to do what works for them. I would not reveal what meds I was on or any condition that did not effect my work. Many hospitals have "no rotation" shifts these days. Asking for days only in a place that all days rotate would be asking for trouble with your peers.

Like others have said there are positions that are just days and would give you lots of experience and satisfaction. We are a commodity still, so much is open to you. Good Luck.( I have a sister and son that are bi polar, so I am rooting for ya!)

sweetbeet · Sep 27, 2007

One has to do what works for them. I would not reveal what meds I was on or any condition that did not effect my work.....

How can you not disclose what meds you are on if you have to take a urinalysis? I mean, you don't need to tell them why you are on them and I don't believe they can ask you why, but you would still have to disclose it, wouldn't you?

I rootin' for you Kamino - I'm BP too!

cmo421 · Sep 27, 2007

How can you not disclose what meds you are on if you have to take a urinalysis? I mean, you don't need to tell them why you are on them and I don't believe they can ask you why, but you would still have to disclose it, wouldn't you?
I rootin' for you Kamino - I'm BP too!

If they are doing a drug screen, they have to inform you and give you the option of stating meds you r on. Routine drug screenings are not done on physical exam unless u sign for them and the proper "chain" is followed. When doing this you are covered under confidenciality laws. Only necessary people r privy to them.They can not use non narcotic prescribed drugs against you. Not all jobs mandate drug test,depends on the state and policy. Both are usually stated on application. You have nothing to be ashamed of and you r covered under the disability act.

DaFreak71 · Sep 27, 2007

I have BP as well. I think you are being very responsible for recognizing that having an unusual sleep schedule by working nights is an issue for you. It would be a huge issue for me as well, as an unstructured sleep schedule is one of my triggers.

To echo the others who have responded to your post, I would never disclose to my potential employer that I am bipolar. It's not that I am ashamed of it, as it is something that is out of my control. The reason I personally would not disclose is that I have a quirky personality to begin with (dry sense of humor, assertive, not willing to take sh*t from people, etc). A lot of people would attribute my behavior to be a "symptom" of my bipolar and I don't want that being held against me.

I understand that you want ICU experience because that is a requirement to enter a CRNA program. I would suggest that you apply for the daytime ICU job and if they don't have anything currently available, take another job until something does come available, even if it isn't related to CRNA admission.

Perhaps what you could do is to accept a job on med surg or another unit and on your days off, orientate for the ICU with the intention of accepting on call duties on your days off. This will give you the ICU experience you need to learn the unit and will possibly give you a competitive advantage when they lose a day shift person (happens all the time).

I wish you the very best of luck. I know how hard it is to have BP and how vigilant you must be to avoid triggering a manic or depressive episode. Sounds like you know yourself well and under no circumstances should you jeopardize your health for your employer.:icon_hug:

woody62, RN · Sep 27, 2007

I am a bit confused. I have had bipolar disorder since 1966, although I was never diagnosed until 1977. I had no triggers, just cycles. Cycles where I would slowly sink into the deepest darkest depressions and rise to highs that were indescribable. I worked days, evenings, and nights before and after I was finally properly diagnosed and put on Lithium.

By the way, you do not have to reveal to your potential employer any medical issues you have. But once you are hired and asked if you have any pre-existing medical problems, failure to disclose can result in denial of your insurance claim and possible termination. Best check with an attorney in your state.

Woody:balloons:

danielleRN76 · Sep 28, 2007

A lot of places will require you to be on a rotation of some sort. Most will accept a day eve rotation. Most hospitals that I amfamiliar with actually have a harder time filling evenings than nights so that might be a big plus for you. I have battled with depression since the age of 12, pretty severe at times, but I have never really talked to any employers about it. My MD knows and that's all that needs to as far as I am concerned. There have been times I have felt "burned out" at work and had to take a few days off to regroup but since I have been working more (used to be per diem or a sahm at times) I have been doing pretty well. Good luck to you. Let us know how you make out.

RN1263 · Sep 28, 2007

By the way, you do not have to reveal to your potential employer any medical issues you have. But once you are hired and asked if you have any pre-existing medical problems, failure to disclose can result in denial of your insurance claim and possible termination. Best check with an attorney in your state.
Woody:balloons:

Yes this is true!

Everywhere I know of will offer the job, then have you get a drug screen and at minimum have you fill out a health questionare that must be accurate or it's grounds to fire you down the road for lying.

But, if they deny you employment afterward then they must give you a reason as to why your "present" medical status would prevent you from performing the job safely. If they're blatently discriminating they know it's grounds for them to be sued. I was worried about these issues because I have M.S. and am on meds to control depression/anxiety. So far, being truthful has not hindered employment at all and I haven't been asked any further questions about it once I officially got the job.

Try not to worry, it'll work out