Crash Landing: Welcome the Newest Failure

[Thephoenixrises]

I know in this economy its a luxury to have a job. Its almost criminal to also give up a job...

I'm a new grad and have been working for about 10 months. I work in a critical care environment during the grave yard and things have been miserable. I've noticed my health decline and this is particulary not helpful for someone who has a chronic condition that can get very serious. I had to tell my manager that i could not perform anymore. I was hopeful when he said that he might have something for me but after talking to the higher ups, there seems to be nothing for me. The worst part of it all is that i have to pay the hospital 10,000 for training costs (because i'm leaving earlier than my contract allows) even though im willing to move somewhere else in the hospital. I feel like im being slammed by my own body and by the profession. Maybe nursing is not for me... I'm not sure what to do. Also, i dont know if i can fight the contract because i've tried everything to work with the hospital but they are saying they cant accomodate me with my illness.

Any inspiration would help...

[HouTx, BSN, MSN, EdD]

Go talk to your HR department immediately. At the very least, you need to have your illness certified as eligible for FMLA because this will afford you some job protection. If you have a bona fide health condition that prohibits you from fulfilling your job duties, you may have some options, depending on the type of issue you are having - e.g., job-related or not. If you are really unable to continue to perform as a nurse, you need to investigate the process of filing for disability.

It is just really important to formalize your situation by obtaining official documentation from a physician if you have not already done so. Your employer may also request that you get a second opinion from a physician who manages their occupational health claims - be sure to cooperate fully with this.

If you signed a contract that requires you to pay back training costs, you are pretty much stuck with the terms of the contract since it is legally binding. Are you sure they won't pro-rate the payback based on the amount of time you have already worked?

So sorry you are having to deal with this. Best Wishes and God bless.