how much do you disclose

[Vallywillis]

Hello,

I am wondering how much everyone discloses to their employer?

My back story, I have a couple medical issues going on. I am 31 BTW, just finished nursing school (with honors) and currently work as a nursing assistant.

1. I am a 7 year brain tumor survivor. I had brain surgery at 23, (after 4 years of being misdiagnosed) and have had no re-growth, but have yearly follow ups (with MRI) to make sure. unfortunately my type of tumor has a pesky habit of re-growing. I don't mind talk about this because, well, this is the reason I went to nursing school.

2. I have visual issues in my left eye due to nerve damage from the surgery (neurotropic keratitis) . Which wouldn't be noticeable (I have adapted over the years) but my left eye is pretty red most of the time...so unfortunately I am often asked about it (I guess people are nervous that I either took something or have pink eye, lol)

3. I have interstitial cystitis. I have this mostly controlled, but when I have flairs I need to use the restroom more than the normal person, and it can be pretty painful.

4. Lastly, I have severe endometriosis. This one may be my biggest issue. I am scheduled to have surgery for this again (2nd in a year and half) in Feb. I am choosing to not tell my employer. I work as a per diem NA at a hospital, and will be able to take a good amount of time off for the surgery without telling HR (because I am only required to do 4 shifts a month). I am afraid to tell my manger and HR because I want to apply for a RN position when I finally get my license, and don't want to give them any reason not to hire me. This is a incurable, chronic disease, it has caused me to have many issues, almost on a daily basis, but I have mostly been able to work through them. Not only is it possible that I will need more surgery in the future, it is possible that when my fiancé and I try to have children, we will need fertility treatments (= lots of doctor appointments). So in my opinion I may look like a less desirable candidate for one of their RN positions.

What do you guys think? Should I disclose my medical issues to my employer? Or should I continue to hide it until I absolutely need to tell them?

[Esme12, ASN, BSN, RN]

No need to disclose....it is none of their business unless you need accommodations.

[SL2014]

You have absolutely no moral or legal obligation to inform your employer. Like the other person said, until they need to accommodate you in some way you do not need to tell them. At that time I don't think you go to your manager but go to HR to disclose and the accommodations will be handed down by HR so as not to violate your privacy regarding the nature of your illnesses.

As far as taking time off, after one year of employment you are entitled to FMLA. If you have not worked for your employer for one year they are not required to save your position should you need time off.

[VivaLasViejas, ASN, RN]

I made the mistake of disclosing my bipolar disorder to an employer once. Honestly, I didn't have much of a choice because I had a pretty severe manic episode at work, and a few months later had to go out on medical leave for a mixed episode with panic attacks. I was summarily dismissed after I returned, because it was clear that I couldn't perform my duties without the accommodations requested by my psychiatrist and the company decided it couldn't meet those accommodations.

Thankfully I'm stable now, and my current employer knows nothing. And indeed they never will, as long as I can control my condition with meds and proper self-care. Bottom line: DON'T DISCLOSE ANYTHING ABOUT YOUR MEDICAL HISTORY unless you absolutely must ask for an accommodation. It will only get you labeled as a liability, and companies have a way of trumping up reasons to get rid of you without running afoul of the Americans With Disabilities Act.

Sorry to be a Debbie Downer on this one, but I think you should be prepared for the reality of what can happen when an employer knows too much about someone.

[Ruas61, BSN, RN]

Anything not stellar can blow you out of the water so easy. No need to tell them.