Getting back pain treatment at the hospital you work at.

[tknrosales]

I'm looking for feedback on seeking medical care at your place of employment. My hospital offers better benifits and lower cost if you get your medical care there. I'm fine with that for routine stuff, but I have back issues and need to start seeing an ortho dr. I am worried that if there are documented back pain issues that could lead to problems with advancement at the hospital in the future. I know it's illegal for employer's to look at your records, but I also know employers don't always follow the rules. Feedback or experiences would be Appreciated.

[VivaLasViejas, ASN, RN]

I'd go somewhere else for medical care in this case, if I were you. Someone you work with is bound to see you and wonder what's up. That can lead to gossip and rumors get started. No, your employer is not supposed to snoop in your medical records but it happens. Some things, like back issues, are much better kept to oneself.

[sissiesmama, ASN, RN]

I agree with Viva!

Anne, RNC

[Cricket183, BSN, RN]

Agree 100%!

It's a shame that we even have to consider such things isn't it? I worked for my previous employer for over five years. Not to toot my own horn but I was an excellent employee. I received 4 promotions during that time, always received the highest possible scores on evaluations (and corresponding raises), was nominated employee of the month, received numerous above & beyond awards, etc. But the second I began having issues (I was diagnosed with RSD/CRPS) and asked for a medical leave of absence, I was denied and fired. Unfortunately, most employers now are all about the bottom line. If there is even a hint you might be a liability to them you're out and if like me, you live in an at will state, there is very little you can do about it. Unfortunately for me, where I live there is only one major hospital so unless I wanted to go out of town I had to seek medical care where I worked.

If you have the option--even if it costs you more--go somewhere other than where you work.

[imintrouble, BSN, RN]

I'd never receive any kind of medical care at the hospital where I work. I'd add one more reason to the ones above.

Being an extremely private person, my health concerns are my own. To think your co-workers wouldn't find out what treatment you were receiving, is self deceiving.

I'm lucky in that there are 4-5 small hospitals in a 50 mile radius where I live. An hour drive is not too much to invest in my privacy.

[tknrosales]

Thanks for the advice! I have been going to see a local chiropractor not affiliated with my organization and its seems to be helping. Is so sad that it has come to this. Employees should be valued as part of the family and cared for when we are down, not treated like throw away product that can be so easily replaced. I guess loyalty is a thing of the past