Veteran discriminated against because of PTSD?

[Avenger1]

I have a situation that is really upsetting me...

I am a veteran and served in Iraq for two tours. After returning home I was diagnosed with PTSD and prescribed medication. This was circa 2006. Fast forward to now...

I have been an RN for a little over two years. I was just offered a position at a very prominent hospital. I accepted. Background check, reference checks, previous employers, etc all checked out great. The final hurdle was the pre-employment physical. Which I was totally honest about and admitted all medical history including the medication prescription, PTSD diagnosis and 2 concussions (1 in Iraq and 1 in a recent car accident). The NP who conducted the physical asked a bunch of questions about all of them including if I am considered a disabled veteran and at what percent. I again answered honestly to all. I started to realize that may have been a mistake. She then said I would need clearance from all treating physicians for the concussions and PTSD/Paxil. When I said this would be virtually impossible for the concussions as I was in Iraq and had no idea who treated me. She then assured me that it was standard procedure for all prospective employees who were prescribed an anti-depressant or diagnosed to obtain written clearance prior to starting. She assured me this would not be an issue. I expressed dismay at the situation and said I felt this was why many veterans do not admit their issues or seek help and that perhaps I should not have been so honest.

I took the form she gave me to the VA doc who oversees my case and he filled it out indication neither the Paxil nor the PTSD would impede my ability to work as an RN in anyway and that I was cleared for work. I submitted the paper but was then called by Employee Health saying my start was delayed after the Medical Director reviewed my paperwork and spoke with the NP. They said he would like "additional information". Both parties I spoke with were unable to say what additional information he would like or what it pertained to. They informed me he would not be able to speak with me about it and that I would have to speak with the administrator who currently is on vacation and will not be back until for 8 days.

I am quite fearful I will somehow not be allowed to work. I do not know why I am being stonewalled with information or what else they could want. Everything else has checked out great. I would be willing to provide direct contact information to my current employer, previous supervisors, co-workers, anyone they want to attest to my abilities.

I have waited a long time for this particular opportunity and worked hard personally and professionally to get where I am. I even turned down another opportunity to accept this one. What can I do? I feel I am being held to a different standard and discriminated against. Would they treat a woman rape survivor with PTSD the same? Or a former physical child abuse victim with PTSD?

I am sorry this is long and my first post. I have read here for years ever since starting school and don't know where else to turn.

[caliotter3]

Being a woman rape survivor with PTSD (from that and other assault events), I can truthfully say, yes, a woman victim can be treated the same way. Sometimes it is a hard lesson to learn when one should not be so forthcoming.

[Asystole RN]

I think most people who seek employment at a hospital undergo a physical. Any medications or significant medical history has to be investigated. I am sure that you are experiencing delay due to bureaucracy, not discrimination.

Before I started my current job I had to undergo a physical (with full blood workup) and receive releases from my practitioners too. I had sinus surgery several months before the start of my current job and had to get a release from the ENT surgeon, I also had to get a release from my NP who I see as my PCP. I have a friend who is employed at a local hospital who even had to get blood work for the drug test AND nicotine. I at least only had to pee in the cup.

From interview to orientation was almost two months.

If you think what you are going through is bad then dear God do not apply to the VA!

[Avenger1]

I don't want to sound mean but it is a little comforting knowing I am not alone.

Perhaps the PTSD clearance is sufficient and they want information about the second head injury which was only in April and resulted in an admission. It is the not knowing and lack of information until 8/13 that has me worried. I just don't want to be written off without a chance to show that I am 100% medically ok.

And I will admit I wish I wasn't so honest and had bit my tongue more instead of expressing up frustration with the NP.

[Piglet08]

Okay, maybe you were more open than was in your best interest. But it doesn't sound like a really long delay, in that whole "new hire" scheme of things. Don't read too much into it too soon. Good luck.