Need some serious advice and help regarding HR and possibly about to be fired

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I am a CNA and I missed work on several occasions because I had some severe issues withdrawing and I could not break the cycle. I never drink at work and I have been so good and sober; I just went through so serious things in life and I fell...and when I fall I fall hard. I am about to be fired but my manager is amazing and is trying to retain me. This is a big hospital and she needs to go through HR. The only way I can stay is if I prove I spoke with my provider and I can get on the American's with Disability's Act by having them provide information. I have a myriad of other issues like PTSD and anxiety.....this whole HR thing will be completely private but I'm afraid if they know im an alcoholic this will be a big NO as a CNA and they will fire me regardless. Do you think I should ask my provider to keep that private and just discuss my other issues such as anxiety to keep my job? Please help. Please no judgements. Just going through a lot of hardship and I need this job and advice. Thank you in advance.

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What are the charges for dismissal? Absenteeism? I cannot see how using the American's with Disability's Act could prevent you from being fired. Who told you  to do this?

 

 

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Take a deep breath...you sounds like you have a lot going on and sometimes the unknown (like what HR is going to require) and the waiting can be the hardest part and ramps up the anxiety etc.

I agree w/the previous poster - I don't see how the ADA will be of any benefit or how that will come into play. HR should be very specific about what they are needing/wanting as well as your manager to keep you employed. You can decide from there about what to discuss with your provider. From your post, it sounds like your being absent is the issue, not drinking? HR will of course ask you about why you are absent etc. keep it short and simple - that you have had some unexpected upheaval in your personal life and that has affected your physical/mental health/well being and you are seeking support from your provider for assistance. Do not offer them more than they ask for or go into great detail, it will not benefit you and anything outside of what they are asking is none of their business. HR is not your friend, they are there solely to protect the facility's interest above anything else.

MANY people in healthcare (and other professions) struggle with addictions of all kinds, so while you feel you are alone in this, you are not. Help is out there, please, aside from the fact it sounds like you need the job, the MAIN factor is YOU being healthy. Seek out a local or online AA if you haven't already, talk with your provider about medication like Antabuse to help stop the drinking. The fact you know you have a problem is half the battled and you know that it's ALWAYS going to be a one day at a time deal. 

Hopefully your employer will work with you and you can simultaneously get some support to get you back on track but in the event the job doesn't work out please know you CAN get back on track and WILL get back on track. DO NOT GIVE UP. You got this!

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Thank you guys for your comments. Yes it was absenteeism. I have always been professional on the job. The problem is, HR wants my medical records. My manager is saying the only way they can keep is if they see that they can put me on as an employee as an American with Disability's Act. They want the medical records from my most recent absenteeism (a.k.a. my relapse), whoever I spoke to (for example if I went to the hospital). I ended up speaking to my regular Telehealth doctor this time. I actually recently called him about this issue and he said he would have to provide all records (showing all my profile unedited with the alcoholism there unfortunately, the ptsd is there and the anxiety but the alcoholism will be shown). Is it worth it providing them my records or should I just quit at this point? It's a catch 22. I just don't know what to do. I feel like at this point quitting is safer that way maybe in the future I have a chance to work there in the future in some capacity or at least this giant hospital's HR doesn't have my records. It's also not guaranteed that they will keep me once they have my records, they have to evaluate it to see if I am eligible to be part of an ADA employee but why would they want an alcoholic CNA? Even though I'm amazing and super clean at work and I just had a crisis leading me to be absent because of this......god I have no idea what to do. Any advice is welcome

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I wouldn’t give them my records, especially since it doesn’t guarantee you keeping your job. If you quit, you can at least apply there again down the road when you’re in a better spot. Virtual hugs to you. You got this.

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If you have short/long term disability you can go on FMLA/disability to receive the treatment that you need without any questions asked or them asking for medical records. You can take the time to sort out all you need to and receive treatment appropriately. You can then resign and maybe find something like another hospital system or home health, SNF, or other types of settings. One option is a technician for dialysis which is a great gig for CNA's and pays for the training you need. I wouldn't give up your medical records and be lead down unknown road (I don't know what it is like for CNA's vs nurses) that could be more disastrous. If you have the ability to take a medical leave than I would go that route, your healthcare and records at this point are still protected by you and no one's business until you do decide to share. If you were a nurse than it is a different story but protect yourself at all cost and what the future holds if you want to be a nurse. Take care of yourself first and sobriety, you can always find a job in a diff capacity as you address this important and key issue.

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Specializes in Emergency Medicine.

It *may* be in your best interest at this point to put in your notice at this time to save yourself at this organization. I would not give anyone my medical records. It's not any of their business. Take care of yourself, do what you need to do and then get back out there again with a new job. *hugs*

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