Does this make me a liability?

DowntheRiver · Jan 26, 2016

Don't let somebody else get in your head. You were dealt a hand of cards that was less than favorable but it sounds like you're making the most of it. That's the best you can do at this point. Figure out what your limitations are and figure out the best path for your future that will be best for your health and your career.

I had cancer and have many side effects from chemo, including chronic fatigue, bad Raynaud's, and lung damage. Because of this I didn't do so well in the hospital. However, I work in an office setting as a nurse and it works really well for me.

nynursey_ · Jan 26, 2016

I don't consider having rheumatological diseases that cause fatigue and chronic pain a liability. What I *would* consider a liability is someone who has a known track record of not being able to work a set schedule 2/2 their chronic illness.

I have autoimmune hemolytic anemia in addition to dysthymia. The winter is not my friend. I persevere, but it's difficult, and I think that given the circumstance, I do a pretty damn good job. I make no excuses and I also expect no sympathy.

I agree with the PP's that say you should keep it mum. No one is required to know your health information except your employer in situations where it limits your working ability. So long as you have it under control and are practicing good self-care, then it's really no one's business but your own.

%D#2 · Jan 27, 2016

I don't consider having rheumatological diseases that cause fatigue and chronic pain a liability. What I *would* consider a liability is someone who has a known track record of not being able to work a set schedule 2/2 their chronic illness.

I have autoimmune hemolytic anemia in addition to dysthymia. The winter is not my friend. I persevere, but it's difficult, and I think that given the circumstance, I do a pretty damn good job. I make no excuses and I also expect no sympathy.

I agree with the PP's that say you should keep it mum. No one is required to know your health information except your employer in situations where it limits your working ability. So long as you have it under control and are practicing good self-care, then it's really no one's business but your own.

I am not gonna lie when I was first diagnosed I had to leave and go out on disability. I could no longer walk. But now I am okay and have only had one bad leave of absence for a two week period I got shingles and was forced to stay out for two weeks. Other than that I am able to do my job as good as anyone else. But I do worry that one day I just won't be able to walk again.

Horseshoe, BSN, RN · Jan 27, 2016

I am going to go back for Rn and BSN when my loans are paid off.. My mom is an ADN and has the same illnesses and worked in a hospital for a while, then home care, now she works from home for an insurance company. Gonna probably follow her footsteps

Because you are so young, I'm going to encourage you to get even more education than a BSN. Get some kind of advanced education or certifications. Consider CRNA or other advanced practice so that you can still work, make an even better salary (you will have more health care expenses), and won't have the physical demands of a typical floor nurse.

Turn your "liability" into an impetus to go even farther than the typical nurse (especially the one who referred to you as a liability). You never know where this will take you.

%D#2 · Jan 27, 2016

Because you are so young, I'm going to encourage you to get even more education than a BSN. Get some kind of advanced education or certifications. Consider CRNA or other advanced practice so that you can still work, make an even better salary (you will have more health care expenses), and won't have the physical demands of a typical floor nurse.
Turn your "liability" into an impetus to go even farther than the typical nurse (especially the one who referred to you as a liability). You never know where this will take you.

Thanks so much for your input, I will def keep moving up the totem poll and im sure it will bring me to a great place. I am hard working and dedicated, despite the shortcomings of my diseases. I think also having these illnesses will make me a better nurse in the long run. Maybe NP would be a good goal! My professors always told me I was smart.. I know I can do it!

Julius Seizure · Jan 27, 2016

I this the hospital might view you as a liability to THEM (not to nursing).

After all, "chronic pain" might sound like you are prone to back injuries or something, which is a work-related injury risk.

And if you are missing work due to chronic illness, that also costs the hospital time and money...thats why people need FMLA to protect their jobs.

iluvivt, BSN, RN · Jan 27, 2016

Don't forget about all the new medications and biologics that have come on to the scene in the last 20 yrs or so...some great ones in fact so the future is bright for even better ones.

Kooky Korky, BSN, RN · Jan 27, 2016

Thanks for your input. I do not feel I am a liability in fact I find that I am in the least amount of pain at work because I am so focused. I do take a lot of aspirin and caffeine and I take fiorinal when I go home. But the pain is bad in the morning, which is why I don't work days.

Try not to tell your problems at work or to strangers period. Do you have a support group?

Kooky Korky, BSN, RN · Jan 27, 2016

Thanks so much for your input, I will def keep moving up the totem poll and im sure it will bring me to a great place. I am hard working and dedicated, despite the shortcomings of my diseases. I think also having these illnesses will make me a better nurse in the long run. Maybe NP would be a good goal! My professors always told me I was smart.. I know I can do it!

How about Case Management?

allnurses Guide · Jan 27, 2016

I am flabbergasted that a stranger would have the nerve to comment about any lumps, bumps or otherwise on your body and then have the gall to suggest you should not be doing your job of choice. This is a toxic person, one you would do well to steer clear of in the future, group outing or no. Prep yourself for any future nosiness by practicing turning conversations around. You do not even have to acknowledge the question was asked. Nobody has a right to that info. NOBODY.

As to being a liability, it all depends on how reliable you are for showing up at work and, once you are there, being able to carry your share of the load. I would have no trouble working as a floor nurse alongside any disability as long as that person was able to carry their own weight.

I love the encouragement you are getting above to advance your degrees. I would do this as soon as possible. Best of luck to you!

JustaGypsy · Jan 27, 2016

Nursing is a small world. Be careful who you disclose to except those that are bound by HIPAA
No one can make you feel inferior without your consent.

Well stated.

kiwi111 · Jan 27, 2016

I don't think it's a liability if you don't let it be one if that makes sense. I have chronic fatigue as well and pain from my back but undiagnosed because my doctor referred me to a specialist but I chickened out. Basically if I have no work experience as of yet but during my clinical lifting patients all the time flared up my pain and got me so fatigued at the end of the shift that I felt like I could not open my eyes after. It was a good thing I took the bus because I slept like a homeless person on the bus completely passed out quite literally. Anyways, I never let my condition endanger the patient because as painful as it got to my back and as fatigued as I got, I never got to actually feel it until after I got out of my shift. I'm not sure how you would deal if your taking narcotics to ease the pain though, because as far as I know wouldn't the side effects interfere with your judgement and perhaps short term memory?