an employment question

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hi I am a 28 yo man entering nursing school in the fall. I have been a paramedic for 7 years and am near completeion of a chemistry degree. I chose nursing becuase of the closer relationship with the patients and the freedom to work in multiple areas.

Recently I had a cluster of bad peds. calls two were codes. And like a mocho pinhead I did not seek help until I began to get depressed. I am now fully recovered, thanks to Jesus and my wife. But I have no intent on returning to Emergency care.

At the time I was a new employmee at a truama center. And as soon as the Psychologist said PTSD, they asked me to resign. ALthough I requested a leave of abscence or simply a transfer to a non urgent area until I could recover. I did so voluntarily and did not make a fuss.

Now that I am recovered the same hospital has given me the cold shoulder. Even though I am a rehirable. the HR director stated that I must complete 2 years or so of employment at another facility before they will consider me for employment. Here is my question is this incident going to affect my future as a nurse ? I had a stable work history prior to my melt down.

Specializes in Psych, hospice, family practice.

Geez I sure hope it won't affect your future as a nurse! Not with the kind of empathy it sounds you have - and there's nothing at all wrong with that. What I mean to say is - it's sad that you had to go through those experiences, but they wouldn't have affected you the way they did if you weren't a caring person,- also, I'll bet you learned a LOT about yourself! For example it sounds like you now know what areas of nursing you would not really wish to pursue. Just imagining an experience like the ones that happened to you is the reason I could NEVER be a peds nurse. I am so sorry you had to go through that. God bless you and your wife. Take care and I sure hope things work out for you.

Mary

Something is strange here....how long were you employed by the hospital and were you full-time? (you said you were new....did you complete probation?...usually 90 days). You might be protected by the ADA (doubtful, but you never know). And what reason did the HR director give for the 2 year wait?

How did they find out the psychologist said PTSB? Even if you were seeing someone in the company clinic your diagnosis should not have been avaliable to managment. Is it possible you confided in someone expecting to get sympathy and instead got the shaft?

Does sound funny! The suits have no business knowing your medical dx. This 2 year wait sounds like crap too. Do you really want to go to work for such cold uncaring people like those that run that place? Apply somewhere else and cite family reasons for your leave. While I fully believe depression and such should not have the stigma attached that they do, you also have to protect yourself until the public wises up and sees mental health issues for what they are. Sad to say but it sounds like a typical hospital!

Best of luck to you!

Something is very rotten in Denmark. The HR person should not know this. This is not a legitimate reason not to hire. If your trauma happened at this hospital then there is really something very wrong.

I think legally you made a mistake in resigning. However, if you can show that you were forced to then you may have a case.

They force you to resign. Did they provide you with treatment or just a Dx. If it happened there they are leagally responsible for the cost of your treatment and lost wages.

I am willing to bet on it.

Hey, that's not legal. Pt. confidentiality(sp?)

HIPAA regulations guard against that type of discrimmination. I think.

You are indeed, a rare breed. You truely care about people. Don't give up. We need more in healthcare like you, my friend!

I have been looking at ADA laws lately and it says that a psychiatric disorder or chemical dependency problem in an employee's PAST cannot be used to discriminate in hiring.

I have also worked with several bipolar nurses who did fine on their meds and worked critical care. A note from their doctor sufficed. Also know many nurses on Prozac, etc for chemical imbalance/depression. Again, they do FINE on their meds.

I guess it comes down to if you are willing to fight for this or not. I know, sometimes it's not worth the energy put out to fight 'the system'...easier to go somewhere else for work...

If you're in a feisty frame of mind, why not contact an attorney and ask a few pointed questions? You could ask if there has been a violation of confidentiality too while you're at it. Usually the first visit is complimentary and you could get some free advice.:) Nurse attornies (JD RN's) are specially helpful because they understand the health care end. :)

I've been researching the ADA because in order to get any nursing job in the future I may need to use it too...as an injured nurse with spinal arthritis and chronic pain I'm seen as a risky hire even for desk jobs. :( So I know how hospitals are too... :(:(:( ...good luck and let us know how it turns out, OK?

to everyone:

I would like to thank everyone very much for your very kind words.Oh and I screwed up I volunteered the fact that I was suffering PTSD. I do not want to sue or anything I just want to be a nurse. I only volunteered this information so that they would not think I was trying to pull a fast one. And to fedup No I do not want to work for these people any longer. But please note these peds. calls occured at another employer. (a county EMS agency) and they told me to get over it, people die.(no exagerration(sp?))Again God bless you all and thank you for your encouragement!! RJ

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