fired for cancelling shifts d/t health issues?

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first-time poster; I apologize if this isn't the right subforum. basically I'm paranoid about being fired. I've been at my job for two years, and it's my first job since I graduated from nursing school. No complaints about my work, although I do have some health issues and it scares me when I have to call out or cancel a shift (I'm PRN) because I'm afraid my boss will just get sick of my **** and stop scheduling me in favor of other PRNs who don't have these problems.

I can't get anything official as far as accommodations, because I don't have a diagnosis yet. My main symptom (at least as far as affecting my work is concerned!) is that I simply pass out a lot. I would like to take some time off of work until we figure out what exactly is causing this and ideally start treating it. I don't want to quit though! I like my job and want to start picking up shifts again when I know I can stay upright and conscious for a whole shift. I'm already scheduled for shifts through October, and I'm afraid if I cancel those shifts then I'll just get fired or no one will want to schedule me when I try to start working again because they'll think of me as unreliable. Any advice would be appreciated!

Specializes in Nursing Management.

My mom used to pass out often or have dizzy spells. Turns out it was 3rd degree heart block. Your health is #1 and I hope your doctor is able to find a diagnosis soon so you can manage your work life.

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Specializes in Nursing Professional Development.

In my hospital, here is how we usually handle that type of situation -- in which an employee has an issue (e.g. health or family issue) that prevents them from working. If they are good at their jobs, they can be given a short-term leave to get the situation taken care of. If that isn't enough time off to take care of the problem, then they are terminated from the system -- but they are hired back after the problem is resolved. I've had a couple of friends in that situation. We don't want people who are unreliable and/or dangerous at work -- so we ask them to leave, but let them come back once the situation is resolved.

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I'm really afraid to even tell my boss. He's really type-A, very easily angered/annoyed. he's fond of saying "I don't want to be bothered with anything; just do your job and leave me alone".

Then your boss is not doing HIS job.

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Have you considered filing for temporary disability? FMLA may also be of use. Good luck!

Aren't there requirements for the FMLA?

"Employees are eligible for leave if they have worked for their employer at least 12 months, at least 1,250 hours over the past 12 months, and work at a location where the company employs 50 or more employees within 75 miles. Whether an employee has worked the minimum 1,250 hours of service is determined according to FLSA principles for determining compensable hours or work."

U.S. Department of Labor - Find It By Topic - Leave Benefits - FMLA

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Hi my dear. When I read your post I instantly became worried? Do you live alone? Should you be driving? Passing out unexpectedly is frightening. Please stay on your doctor to help with a diagnosis. Best of luck to you!:nurse:

thanks; I am okay with transportation - I do have a car/license but I also have the option to take the metro, which I've been doing since this started. And I don't live alone; I share an apartment with my partner. :)

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I think what I'm most worried about are the winter holidays - I scheduled myself to work pretty much the whole week of Thanksgiving, the whole week of Christmas, and the whole week of New Year's Eve. (I'm weird; I actually like working holidays - because then your co-workers love you and are uber-grateful for your help :p , and it's rather slow because they try to schedule the sub-acute patients to discharge before the holidays if appropriate, and the AL patients usually have family/visitors so they're in a better mood than usual, lol. also it's just my partner and I and our friends doing holiday things/parties and I work day shift so I get off before the parties start anyway. :) ) I'm really hoping to get a diagnosis AND start treating whatever-it-is well before the holidays because I can pretty much guarantee my boss would never schedule me again if I missed those weeks of work when everyone wants vacation time.

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Specializes in Oncology (OCN).
Anytime someone says I pass out a lot I say check for POTS.

This was my first thought too!

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I'm confused. Why do you assume that you have to quit work for extensive treatment when you don't even have a diagnosis yet?

Many people have syncope episodes, most are cardiac or blood sugar related.

However, if you are "passing out a lot" I would be careful about being vocal about it because they can deem you unsafe to work and REQUIRE you stay home until you get released to go back.

Legally, they do not owe you any accommodations because you do not have an illness that is being treated.

However, what efforts have you made to even go see a doctor?

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Specializes in Critical Care and ED.

Some very sensible comments here. If there is an inkling of a health issue that prevents you from doing your job or that may be a safety issue, you'll be out of there so fast your feet won't touch the ground and they won't let you back until occupational health passes you. Also, you don't have a diagnosis yet and work per diem, I presume without insurance. Might want to consider getting a permanent position to cover you for that, and perhaps long-term disability, in case a diagnosis comes back that may cause you long term problems. Right now, without a diagnosis, you can pretty much be approved for any insurance. After a diagnosis, not so much. Protect yourself. I have FMLA because I have a condition that requires me to take off more sick days than the alloted 6 per year. I have to reapply for it every 6 months with a doctor-completed form. It's a pain but I am grateful for it. Might not be available in your state though. There are several diagnoses that may prevent you from driving so take that into account also. Don't discuss your health issues with your boss until you have a diagnosis and you know what your rights are.

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If I were you, I wouldn't schedule my self anymore until you are able to return to work. Try and cover your shifts you have right now. As a nurse manager its hard when people pick up shifts and then call off because not too many people will come in the last minute. this leaves the shift you called off on short and can cause grievance with the staff who hast to work it. Talk to your manager now and let him know you wont be coming so he can get those shifts filled and you can get better. This will help everyone all the way around.

Thanks

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You are worrying about the wrong thing. Your future in that facility is not priority, your health is.

Follow your doctor's instructions. If it is to take time off to diagnose this, than that's what you must do.

You are not indestructible, you could pass out and do some serious damage. Can only imagine what could happen if you passed out at work , with responsibility for the residents.

Do not go into any details with your manager. Say you are taking time off for a medical issue.Sounds to me like you need to work once in 3 months to stay active. If this is not worked out in 3 months, then you will find another position when you are physically capable.

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This was my first thought too!

I had to google it. :facepalm:

I've heard of it but only by the entire name - not initials.

POTS Symptoms

I'd be more worried about diagnosis as well. Pretty darn unsafe to be caring for patients when you faint.

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