Diabetic RN and working 12's?

Published

Hi everyone, I have a bit of a balancing act and need some advice from those of you that do this. I work 12 hour dayshifts in ICU. As you expect, it is crazy busy and you rarely get a break or moment to even run to the bathroom. I've been doing this for a while, so I know what to expect out of my workdays. Problem I have now is, I am a newly diagnosed diabetic. I am trying to adjust to all the changes in my life, but I am finding I am having problems on my workdays. I try to eat before I go in, but the long day is difficult for me to manage.

Those of you who are diabetic and work 12's, any tips or ideas? Thanks so much in advance!

Not "feeling" you can fight for your rights under the law does NOT qualify you as disabled. Take your darned breaks and let your supervisors fight it out in the courts. The reasonable accomodation DOES include sufficient break time. It MANDATES 30 minutes for 4 hours of work, in an 8.5 hour day. Don't you understand your state law? Don't you know that this is not a priveledge, but a right? If you tell you supervisors you are taking a break, do you not realize it is up to THEM to find coverage? Please, call NNU if you have questions, and research your state and contract rules. This is not right, and you should not be pressured into going without your breaks.

The ADA does recognize diabetes as a disability just like it recognize other diseases in protected categories. One can be disabled and work too. And it is the ADA that has forced employers to make reasonable accommodations for us, whatever they may be, to a point. I suggested seeing an attorney so she could find out just what her options are. There is nothing wrong with seeing an attorney or using the ADA to help you get the accommodations you are entitled to. And there is nothing wrong with admitting you have a disability.

GrannyRN65

Up Vote Up Vote ×
not "feeling" you can fight for your rights under the law does not qualify you as disabled.

i never said it did. being diabetic qualifies a person as having a disability (as opposed to being disabled). i mentioned that many nurses don't feel they can make a fuss over taking breaks because, unfortunately, that's the reality. those who are diabetic, however, need to get past any reservations about insisting on proper break time. it's something that should be given to all of us without a fight, but when it isn't, those with the most to lose are usually the ones who are the most motivated to seek change. the ada laws can make a difference in this situation.

what's really sad is that many diabetic nurses wouldn't need to invoke the "reasonable accommodation" clause if they were just given what every nurse is supposed to have--enough break time to take care of her basic needs.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

I don't agree with you about diabetics having a "disabilty" as the law is written. Diabetes is a disease, so is hypertension; do they have a "disability" as well? Instead of invoking the ADA, how about nurses using thier rights under the fair wages law in thier states? If you don't understand what this is, call your state employment office, or call the National Nurse United offices to learn how to claim your employment rights. If more nurses would just take the time to learn about and stand up for thier rights, they would not feel so bullied by thier employers.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
One thing I have noticed in my 30 years of working is that the smokers always make sure they take their breaks, those of us that don't smoke rarely take one, and say we can't because we are too busy.

***

It is manageable, thousands of us do it daily - you will get your own routine down! Find some kind of food and snacks that you can eat on the go - maybe you can't sit down for a meal, but you sure can eat something while setting up meds or doing that never ending charting!

:up: This! I work with several type I diabetics, and no matter how busy it is, they are able to take a minute to check their sugars, administer insulin and eat as they need. I would say that we all try to be a little more accommodating, but at the same time no one makes a big deal about it.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Oncology.
I don't agree with you about diabetics having a "disabilty" as the law is written. Diabetes is a disease, so is hypertension; do they have a "disability" as well? Instead of invoking the ADA, how about nurses using thier rights under the fair wages law in thier states? If you don't understand what this is, call your state employment office, or call the National Nurse United offices to learn how to claim your employment rights. If more nurses would just take the time to learn about and stand up for thier rights, they would not feel so bullied by thier employers.

I hate to sound harsh hear, but it's really not your opinion that matters. Disability, for legal purposes, is defined as any condition that interferes with a life function. Metabolism, which diabetes interferes with, counts here. Do I feel disabled on a day to day basis? No. Do I feel disabled at times? Yes- when I'm wearing a dress and trying to find a place to hide my pump, when I'm near crippled with severe hypoglycemia, when I have to stop and test my bg and eat while hiking, etc. I have had to use the ADA to get reasonable accommodations at times, mostly in high school when many teachers were simply not willing to bend their rules or make any exceptions. Obviously it's ideal just to work it out and take your breaks as permitted, however, if not, diabetes does qualify as a disability for ADA purposes.

OP, just attempting to control by diet gives you a huge advantage here. If all you really need is time to eat and test, that shouldn't be an issue, I would hope. I keep my meter in the breakroom at work, where it's accessible, but not in the way. You could always bring easy-to-eat low carb snacks to work that would be fast to eat if you were in a hurry- nuts, string cheese, cut up veggies, etc.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in ER/Trauma.

Thanks to all who have commented here. I did not intend to spark a debate, however a lot of excellent points have been raised. Do I feel disabled? No. Overwhelmed? Yes, very much so. I know this is managable and I am working with the dietician too.

I will speak up to my manager on the issues. I guess I am not expecting special accomodations, just the opportunity for a quick meal and test to keep me healthy.

Funny, I also work a prn position at another hospital and they make sure we get our breaks. I don't feel it's an issue there, but in the ICU (primary job) it is. A very different culture that I have noticed since day one. There is a clear disconnect between managment and the nurses on the floor. I am waiting for the right postion to open at prn hospital and plan on making a change as soon as possible because of the culture there.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
+ Join the Discussion