Doing nursing, getting dizzy, going broke!

[Jacque McMillon]

I have been a nurse for 6 years, and I love my work! I worked in an extended care facility, a hospital, and doctors' offices. The problem is I have a histroy of a seizure disorder. So, keeping a job and preventing employers from treating me unfairly is very difficult. Though my neurologist has stated that it is okay for me to work as a nurse, employers are not willing to cooperate.

I believe that there is no need to be alarmed, because the main problems I have consist of occasional dizziness and headaches when I am overworked. I do not have fainting spells or convulsions. Yet, I have been turned down for many jobs, treated very unfairly, and I have lost jobs in the past on the account of my condition.

When I first attended nursing school I heard that there are other nurses and even doctors who have seizure disorders. If you happen to know any of them or have any suggestions, your response would be greatly appreciated! I would like to know how they are coping! Nursing is my life, and I refuse to let anyone or anything force me to throw it away!

[micro, RN]

BUT YET WUVABLE NURSE YOU ARE SUCH A GREAT PERSON THAT YOU TELL THEM YOUR HX LIKE THE TOTALLY TRUTHFUL PERSON YOU ARE.....

????? do you have to?

am not asking you to lie, but if they don't ask, don't tell.

like give them a slip from your physician that states she/he is medically and physically able to perform the job as nurse, etc.

total truth was taught to me growing up.......but that doesn't mean it was correct.......

luv ya, wuvable nurse

[Jacque McMillon]

Thank you very much for your reply, Micro. But unfortunately, they find out about my condition on the job, if you know what I mean. This is where I have the most problems. I have known not to tell prospective employers the whole truth when interviewing; it just leads to a dead end! Any other suggestions?

[micro, RN]

geez whiz wuvable...

you know............

only dialoguing here......no answers

just discus' over coffee'

talk with neurologist's and neurology floors/ etc.....get my drift........you could not only BE THEIR BEST NURSE BUT ALSO SUCH AN INSPIRATION TO THE PATIENTS.........

pm me anytime and all of us

there is the right job there for you where you will just be GREAT!

[judy ann]

I would think that this would be addressed by the Disabilities Act. I would contact the Labor Board or the Office of the Governor for suggestions of where to go for more information. Somebody out there knows. Good Luck!:kiss

[4XNURSE]

I agree with judy ann. That sounds like discrimination. Find the job you like and go for it.

just my $ .02

ken

[lever5]

When I read the job description for a nurse, my thought is "yhea, right" I don't come up to half of what they expect. You do have to be there and carry your share of the load. Are you unable to finish shifts? Does a short break help you continue? Does physical or mental stress make it worse? There is a position out there in nursing that will fit you. Keep looking.