I'd like to lodge an official complaint

pinkiepieRN · May 8, 2013

What seems to be your problem or complaint? My apologies, but you're being quite vague. It is definitely possible to get a nursing job and work with a disability, but it would be easier for us to offer support or advice if you're more specific. :)

ixchel · May 8, 2013

Sorry, I was swept up in the frustrations of others. I personally have spondylolisthesis. I take medication for pain and I'm nervous about the idea of pre-employment drug screening. I'm 2 semesters away from graduation. I wasn't diagnosed until this present school year, so it's been a challenge. I already knew I was going to be challenged finding a job that can support my lifting restrictions, but I hadn't even considered that my medications might be a problem, too.

One of the biggest themes in nursing school has been helping patients adapt to their lives and occupations and learn to cope and integrate their injuries or disabilities into their lives, but being able to work as a nurse seems to demand physical and emotional perfection. I understand this to an extent, but There are specialties in nursing that don't have the same physical demands as others.

Idk. I guess I'm just overwhelmed and afraid of what the future will bring. I've had time to wrap my head around my diagnosis and what it means. Its still a new diagnosis for me, so I fluctuate a bit emotionally from time to time. I'm going into this with open eyes, knowing it will be hard. Some days it just sucks to think about. My heart is with all of these other posters in this forum going through the struggles I am about to face.

Julius Seizure · May 16, 2013

I second your complaint. Does that mean we get to have a official vote to change the rules now?

Sadala, ADN, RN · May 17, 2013

In case you haven't noticed heretofore, there is a huge divide in the helping professions between what is considered healthy and reasonable for patients (or clients, or however you'd like to call it) and what is considered healthy and reasonable for those individuals who provide care.

Apparently, caregivers are supposed to be devoid of health concerns, emotional turmoil, personal and family issues and - of course - any propensity towards unhealthy vices. In other words, somehow caregivers (who are, after all, derived from the population at large) are supposed to be quite dissimilar to the populations they serve.

Should you ever come across one of these mystical beings, please take a photo.

Yes, *sarcasm*

It's been a difficult month...

I suppose that the serious answer is that I personally tend not to play up my own shortcomings and "dis" abilities in the workplace (or in academia). I do what I need to do for myself, as agreed between me and my physician, and I don't tend to share it with others unnecessarily (i.e. I share rarely). When I do have to make some type of disclosure, I act like it is the most normal thing in the world. And frankly, for me it is. I have developed life strategies to deal with any issues that I have, and I don't see them as problems. I do what I need to do in order to function, and I function quite well.

In your shoes, I personally might tend to employ a strategy whereby I ask my physician to switch me to a treatment course that would tend to trigger the least response in pre-employment drug screens, etc, prior to initiating a job search. And then I might tend to seek work in venues where the lifting might not be as necessary anyway. In other words, you might not really have to talk about it at first unless you foresee that you will need large concessions or more than the usual amount of time off for treatments or procedures from your employer.

When your employer knows you a little better, they may be more comfortable allowing some leeway on certain issues if you are a valuable employee. I don't know. That's what works for me. Good luck to you. And yes, I agree with your complaint. The trouble is, employers have a lot of options. They have to be really sold on the fact that you will be more of an asset to them than a liability at the time of hire. It really is all about the Benjamins, and frankly, I think it always has been.

ixchel · May 17, 2013

Oh, so true. You are completely right, and I thank you for your response. After coming off a few weeks of rougher-than-usual pain levels, I can honestly say I'm just discouraged. I have the full support and encouragement even of my neurosurgeon to continue on this path. The normal provider that I see is an NP who understands the path to nursing well, and when I was second guessing the decision to continue, he told me I'd be crazy to stop. He had to write a letter on my behalf indicating that he felt I am fit for duty, and he included a verbal, "you tell them to leave my patients alone." lol I know what my limits are. I promise not to exceed them. But that may not be good enough for employers. It's a bummer, but I am an awesome employee, and will continue to be awesome when I'm employed as a nurse. I'll get there. Eventually.

Sadala, ADN, RN · May 17, 2013

I always feel that patient care in all venues is enhanced by nurses who have "been there." You really can understand the pt's feelings, difficulties and needs (although certainly, everyone responds to and processes things differently). But from my point of view, professionals with their own history can bring valuable insight, knowledge and enthusiasm to the job. In other words, I'm GLAD you're choosing to work with patients. I think you can be a huge asset. Just go into it thinking about how much knowledge you have to offer. Apparently your NP can see that in you. That's a good thing! Good luck to you :)

ixchel · May 19, 2013

Sadala, I've been noticing your posts all over the last couple of days and I think you are a wonderful, sweet person, and I think nursing is blessed to have you walking this path, too. Hang in there, love. We'll be awesome together!