Is This Discrimination?

I would be honest with them. It sounds like a ridiculous rule and in a logical world it would easily be seen as more of a problem if you did not wear them. I mean they interviewed you with them on. Offered you a position while wearing them...etc. I just don't see the issue.

I have never heard of a medical facility that didn't allow employees to wear corrective lens glasses. What in the world could be the rationale behind such a prohibition? Especially in LTC (as opposed to corrections where just about anything can be turned into a weapon).

I am no authority on the Americans with Disabilities Act, but I do know that employers must make reasonable accommodations when their workers need them. Surely seems like that would include allowing you to wear your own glasses.

Did you ask why there was such a restriction? I find it hard to believe that there is no one else in the facility who wears glasses. Are the residents allowed to wear them?

Looking forward to your answers.

Just when you think you've heard it all ...

How bizarre is that? What exactly was the explanation given for this peculiar policy?

If you were denied employment because of the need for eyeglasses it probably would meet the threshhold for the legal definition of discrimination, as eyeglasses prescribed by your health care provider and paid for at your expense are certainly a very reasonable "accommodation" that lets you perform the "essential functions of the job." (I'm using EEOC/ADA language)

http://www.eeoc.gov/laws/types/disability.cfm

A call to your local EEOC office might be in order, although you'll have to decide 1) whether or not you really want to work for an organization which would attempt to enforce such a boneheaded policy and 2) how much effort you're willing to put into this.

I'm assuming that you know what you're talking about, but I have to ask--are you sure you heard right? If you did, then this definitely violates a "right to work" policy.

Definitely.

(omg, I don't know what I'd DO if someone told me I couldn't wear my glasses! I would wonder if I needed hearing aids too! :dzed:)

This probably would have been a good thing to discuss with your employer when they brought it up. They may very well have reasons for not allowing glasses that don't come to mind right now. It would have given them a chance to explain why to you, and it would have given you a chance to explain your unique situation and that contacts aren't an option for you.

I wouldn't immediately jump to discrimination. Asking employees to wear contacts instead of glasses doesn't sound unreasonable to me, as they weren't aware that you specifically require glasses. Since they already offered you the position, just go ahead with orientation. And you can discuss your circumstances with the manager then. Chances are far greater that she'll be understanding and allow you to keep them once she knows the full story. If not, then you can seek alternative solutions.

Been a nurse and in management a very long time and this one is a whole new one on me. Yes I would inquire with in regards to american disabilities act on this one. I wear glasses and like you am completely unable to wear contacts. Also I have no clue how in the world wearing glasses interfers in working in a LTCF. Check with a disability attorney as most will give you basic info over the phone free of charge. I am also in Florida. As a former DON in my opinion yes it is a form of discrimination. Heck they even allow pilots to fly now with vision correction, open heart surgeon's perform delicate surgery with vision correction, neuro surgeons wear glasses also when needed.

I did ask why there was such a rule and the DON (who was wearing GLASSES!!) took them off and said "you know, I really don't know! It's pretty annoying though because I don't know WHAT I would do without my glasses!". I was afraid to press the issiue because I was worried that as a result, they wouldn't offer me a position. My mother happens to work at this particular facility and told me that they fire people for ANYTHING.

They are a (private??) christian organization so IDK if that may play a role but I am just floored, yet too afraid to do anything. Again, declining the offer is not an option for me because I've been looking for a job for MONTHS and I need this one pretty badly.

And yes kanzimonkey, I definitely heard correctly! Lol!

I did ask why there was such a rule and the DON (who was wearing GLASSES!!) took them off and said "you know, I really don't know! It's pretty annoying though because I don't know WHAT I would do without my glasses!" and proceeded to put her glasses back on and change the subject. I was afraid to press the issiue because I was worried that as a result, they wouldn't offer me a position. My mother happens to work at this particular facility and told me that they fire people for ANYTHING.

They are a (private??) christian organization so IDK if that may play a role but I am just floored, yet too afraid to do anything. Again, declining the offer is not an option for me because I've been looking for a job for MONTHS and I need this one pretty badly.

Obviously, taking it without the assistance of your glasses isn't either. If the DON wears glasses, I'm willing to wager it's not a huge problem. Like I said earlier, I'd save the discrimination route until they do something more then mention it. Just show up fit and ready to work, glasses firmly resting on the bridge of your nose. If anyone says anything, then you can explain why they're necessary. I can't see anyone rationally making it an issue.

I would request to see a written policy about this. I would then call an attorney.

for cryin out loud.. are they crazy?? they don't like glasses??? huh?? i've never heard such hogwash in my life.. you didn't see candid camera around anywhere did you?? good grief ,,,

Obviously, taking it without the assistance of your glasses isn't either. If the DON wears glasses, I'm willing to wager it's not a huge problem. Like I said earlier, I'd save the discrimination route until they do something more then mention it. Just show up fit and ready to work, glasses firmly resting on the bridge of your nose. If anyone says anything, then you can explain why they're necessary. I can't see anyone rationally making it an issue.

You're right. However, I think the DON can wear glasses though because 1) She's the DON! and 2) Whatever reason they do have for not allowing glasses is probably not an issue for her since her job is a little less hands on. Sorry if you misunderstood my post. I wasn't planning to run and find a lawyer and sue the facility for discrimination. I have never been the type to run to the principal before speaking with the teacher and like I said, I need this job so I am in no rush to start ruffling feathers. I guess that's how I came off to you but I just wanted to know whether or not I had a valid argument so that when the issue arose, I would know how to handle it, as well as if I should just show up with my glasses or try to go without them.

You're right. However, I think the DON can wear glasses though because 1) She's the DON! and 2) Whatever reason they do have for not allowing glasses is probably not an issue for her since her job is a little less hands on. Sorry if you misunderstood my post. I wasn't planning to run and find a lawyer and sue the facility for discrimination. I have never been the type to run to the principal before speaking with the teacher and like I said, I need this job so I am in no rush to start ruffling feathers. I guess that's how I came off to you but I just wanted to know whether or not I had a valid argument so that when the issue arose, I would know how to handle it, as well as if I should just show up with my glasses or try to go without them.

You didn't come across like that, and I'm sorry if you misconstrued my reply as critical. I understand that you're just looking for a solution to the problem. I would strongly advise against trying to wing it without them, as that would not only put your patients in danger, but also make you look incompetent and sabotage any chances you have of a future with this facility. If after you explain it to them, and I honestly don't think it would be a problem, they refuse to bend on the subject, then you probably do have a case for discrimination. Personally, I don't know. Chances are neither does anyone else on here. If it came to that point you'd have to consult legal services.