I've been a RN for 9 years (8 of those years are in ICU & pre/post/intra-op). I was diagnosed with ADHD 7 years ago & PTSD 3 years ago (and am prescribed ADHD, anti-anxiety, anti-depressant meds. Currently in therapy).
That last few years have been difficult. Lost multiple jobs. Can see it's stress related - personal reasons and work place reasons. Work-related stress impacts me hard (poor teamwork, high turnover, gossip, bad reports during shift change, being accused of things I didn't do which leaves me feeling like I cannot trust my co-workers). I get distracted and "stuck in my head" when things like that comes up.
When an actual problem (mistake was on me and I own it) OR a perceived "concern" would be brought up to my Nurse Director by co-workers, 90% of time I would just accept the feedback, and we'd talk about ideas that would help improve performance (FMLA or going part time for awhile).
I also came up with my own "toolbox" to help with stress management: regular exercise, creating routines, grounding techniques, timers, lists, good sleep/good diet /staying hydrated, arriving extra early to work, asking for "check ins" to see if I'm doing better or worse or the same, hobbies, spending time with friends, reaching out to EAP, reaching out to HR to inquire about options/resources... (I really wished HR would have responded to me... Reached out to HR for 3 months, told my Director I had been reaching out, but HR was never available nor replied to any of my messages).
Lost last job due to performance issues - I was burnt out and already seeking another jobs before being let go. I don't want to keep losing jobs & I don't want to fail as a nurse.
I know that there are certain stressors that really "trigger" the ADHD and PTSD symptoms (such as being ganged up on/accused of something I did not do, being shouted at by co-workers, feeling like the "outsider"). I realize that I tend to "people please" and over - extend myself, and that can be taken advantage of (probably due to poor boundaries). Personal problems, managing super sick patients, running a code, and even COVID didn't/doesn't stress me out nearly as much as, what often feels like, being bullied.
I DO work hard, am creative, detail-oriented, flexible, love to learn, great with computers/anything "techy", am team-player focused, and receptive to feedback. I don't complain, gossip, and I show up with a cool/calm/collected attitude, no matter what is going on in or outside of work.
Now am currently job searching, and while I do that, want know more about when/if/how to ask for a reasonable accommodation, and what that would look like. Never explored the idea before... I usually just push myself to exhaustion and then blame myself and my confidence is certainly taking a hit.
One idea was something like requesting regular check-ins AHEAD of time, or having a nurse mentor, or something like that.
Also just open to general advice. Any ideas and thoughts are welcome.
Specializes in Psych, Addictions, SOL (Student of Life).
hppygr8ful said:
It's really hard to get reasonable accommodation for what most people think of as "Invisable" diseases. I my self have three possibly 4 auto-immune disorders and one symptom is chronic unremitting pain. I had an accommodation to reduce the distance I walked to and from the parking lot since December 2022 and it was helping a lot. This past week that accommodation was taken away and now I am thinking I'll have to go back to using a cane for ambulation. Going back to the doctor for documentation.
Wish me luck!
Hppy
Headed out to Urgent care today to get a referral for ortho - Hopefully get a note for the afor mentioned accommodation.
I appreciate most of your guys' responses... I do not understand some other responses.
klone said:
I would say that if your ADHD is causing problems to the point where you have lost jobs and are seeking accommodations, then it's not very well managed, and you should talk to your prescribing provider about adjusting your meds. Well-medicated (whether that means increasing your ER dosage, adding a short-acting med to take later, or a combination thereof) should mean that your ADHD is not even a factor.
I have PTSD. I have had counseling and the appropriate meds for several years.
I know that anything can trigger a panic attack. I do not want to be on duty, when one strikes. I am incapacitated.
How do you handle it? What has been most helpful for you? What do you say to a boss when one strikes? I am on my own. I do not have biological family members that I can rely on / truly trust. I moved far away from them for a reason. Closest thing to what feels like a real family experience are with the friends that I have made since moving away. It is both great and confusing. Trying to figure stuff out.
How do you handle it? What has been most helpful for you? What do you say to a boss when one strikes? I am on my own. I do not have biological family members that I can rely on / truly trust. I moved far away from them for a reason. Closest thing to what feels like a real family experience are with the friends that I have made since moving away. It is both great and confusing. Trying to figure stuff out.
I do not work anymore. That is my point. In our profession, having a panic attack would prevent you from providing patient care. There would be nothing you could tell your boss.( If you were in the throes of a panic attack, you would not be able to explain anything).NEVER tell your boss about your problem. They will can you in a heartbeat.
Consider social security disability. It is a tough process. Speak with your providers and research. You already have one of the main requirements, unable to hold a job. Best wishes.
hppygr8ful, ASN, RN, EMT-I
4 Articles; 5,208 Posts
Headed out to Urgent care today to get a referral for ortho - Hopefully get a note for the afor mentioned accommodation.