This is my first time ever posting on a forum, but I would really appreciate some advice. I just graduated college with a nursing degree and am looking for a job. I just left my clinic visit in absolute tears. Never once during my college career did any member of my CF team ever give me the impression that I would not be able to work as a nurse, however today they did. I am so confused. I have my first interview coming up; its for my ideal job to start out as a nurse. My doctor told me that I should tell the interviewer, and subsequent interviewers, my health history, but that it might cause them to see me as a risk and not hire me. The job is in adult neuro surgery; I specifically choose this because I believed it would involve less exposure to infectious agents (in comparison to a general med-surg floor in the hospital). What do I do? I am still at a pediatric clinic with the same pulmonologist I had since I was a baby. I was planning to transition, but then I became sick a few months back and it was put on hold. Would the CF team at an adult center be better equipped to help me deal with workplace issues? Does anyone else have experience working with CF in a health care environment? I have no one to talk to about this. I would really appreciate any opinion, comment, etc. Thanks!
First off, congratulations on finishing your degree! You worked hard for it so you should be extremely proud!
I work in the health care field as well, part time. At first I was very secretive about my disease (and still am to most people), but I soon realized it was easier to come forward with my condition to bosses/co-workers than to attempt to make excuses and explain away any aspect of the disease (hospital stays, coughing fits during winter months, any exposure that is off limits, etc). For me it was easier because I was hired with a slew of other people with their own challenges, so I wasn't alone.
That being said discrimination in the workplace is a tricky subject. Most people would tell you to save disclosing your condition for after the interview, that way you can have some legal defense if any appropriate accommodations are not made or you get fired. Still, it's tricky. Proving workplace discrimination is hard, and honestly some jobs we just can't do because we cannot do the essential functions of the job.
If it were me, I would probably mention it in an interview (something I didn't do for my job, but I ended up telling my boss a few days later anyways because I was hospitalized) and see what happens. Maybe try to add it as a positive, as much as CF sucks what has having CF done for you as a person? Are you more empathetic, are you a harder worker, etc. It may be worth a shot.
You can also ask if your clinic has any openings that they know of that you would be a good fit for. Unfortunately, the CF clinics have so many patients sometimes our overall wellness (including goals and aspirations) is ignored in favor of the more practical approach, keeping us as healthy as possible for as long as possible. It makes sense, they have a lot of patients and all those patients are at different levels. That is where the social worker comes in.
Problem is Social workers come and go so quickly (at least at my clinic) because of career advancement/finding higher paying work elsewhere. However, if you can find one that stays (and it may be easier in your situation since you already have your degree and may just need temporary help) then try to meet with him/her and your CF doctor at the same time and see what comes out of it. List all the pros and cons and make your decision that way.
A few months ago some ideas were thrown around about finding employment for people with CF on this forum. I am not sure if that is still being worked on maybe some other members can let us know?
