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Posted by ExhaustedMom on January 01, 2002 at 00:12:36:In Reply to: Thank you ExhaustedMom posted by sleepy in IA on December 28, 2001 at 18:41:32:
I think we're so jaded, as people who take care of some very involved diseases, that if you don't absolutely look deathly ill, or cannot control your bodily functions, then you're not really sick enough to not work. It's that caring for others that got us into this field of work, but it's a serious hinderance to our own well-being. A co-dependent thing, my co-workers say!! :o) So, I tried to cover my $%# when this all took place. I got an MD note, stating what I cannot do as far as shifts, on-call, etc., plus the fact that I cannot be full time. We also have the FMLA that protects us under federal law, and is available to use when WE feel is necessary. Therefore, if I need to call in, I can. I know what you mean, though, I'm one of three workers at my dialysis unit- it's a satelite unit, and a small patient base, so I can pace myself. My co-workers are aware that sometimes I'm more tired than others, and when I'm feeling good, I try to do more, for the days when I can barely pull my load. My director is aware, as well as my manager, and I stressed that I'm not intentionally moody, but I am adjusting my meds, and I try to appear as even tempered as possible with all patients. A few even know about the N, and they are really surprised that a functional person can have it- another case of what we've been led to believe thru media, etc. So, basically, I can call in when I need to, but I haven't, and I have found that the Ritalin helps tremendously. My co-workers see me feeling good, so when I feel really poorly, like today, they have been pretty good in directing me, if I'm a little slow on the uptake. I have my 1/2hr lunch, and I go sit and doze sometimes, and for the other breaks, when I get them, I get out of the unit a little and walk around, etc. I have found that as long as I stay moving, I'm ok. Once I start to sit a lot, then I'm done for. So, I try to keep a steady pace, and a routine is important for my job, so I can do some of it on autopilot and I have. So, what I recommend that you do is 1) Talk to your MD about adjusting your meds to see if you can get a better regiment, to include at least a span of time you feel reasonably alert at work. 2) Get the info on the FMLA- not only does it protect your job, but gives you legal recourse if the hospital were to try to terminate you. 3) Speak to your manager, if you're not wanting to address your co-workers directly, about your condition. Sometimes they think a person is lazy, hung-over, incompetant, etc., when there's a real reason maybe they are not at their best certain times or days. Your boss should handle this for you, because it can be brought up as harrassment, if you felt it wasn't addressed the right way. If you can talk to them, let them know that you don't appreciate their comments, and you would like them to stop. Make sure they know you have taken your concerns to the boss, and try to answer any questions they may have about your condition, because they may understand a little more and back off. Then, if you have to, make them aware that you will report this to Personnel if this doesn't stop. I know you feel that you don't want to rock the boat with a big hosp., but once you have in your paperwork and document the condition, there is a paper trail that is all legal info, should you be wrongfully terminated, etc. The hospital would rather go along with you that be sued, believe me. A company of many employees wouldn't want to take that risk. So, hang in there. On your good days, make sure they know you're feeling good today. On the bad days, let them know that, too. Then maybe they'll understand. But definitely talk to the MD, and you might be able to find something to help better. You owe it to yourself. Keep in touch! I want to see how things pan out for you. Remember, a mighty oak tree was once a little nut who stood its ground!
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