Going back to work after a disability

February 7, 2018 1:39 PM

I am 45 years old and currently getting disability for what my doctor's suspect is an inoperable brain lesion on my brain stem. I also had 2 strokes back in December 2014 and January 2015 and I have some residual disability. I want to go back to work more than anything but I'm terrified that I won't be able to cut it anymore. More snowflakes inside...

I am an ER nurse. After a couple of strokes, I was left with limited reading comprehension, short term memory problems and decreased eyesight in low light. Upon further examination, I was found to have a lesion on my brainstem. I was also very vitamin deficient and couldn't keep on weight. I got down to 82lbs (I'm 5'3) and ended up having to have a surgical feeding tube placed. I had a central line with total parenteral nutrition as well. After a little over 3 years, I am finally as healthy as I can be, no tubes and able to eat and maintaining a healthy weight. I feel like I'm ready to work again and the SSA has a program called "ticket to work" that I'm wanting to take advantage of. My thing is this...what do I tell my interviewer as to why I haven't worked in 3 years? Do I just be upfront and honest, even though he might not hire me because of "medical issues" or do I just say I took some time off to be a stay at home mom? The guy who is interviewing me is an acquaintance and we worked together 20+ years ago...so he probably doesn't know all of my medical shit. I just thought I'd take it to the hive mind. My interview is tomorrow. I've learned to work around my disabilities and I *think* I can do it. What are your general thoughts on the matter? Thanks!!

posted by Amalie-Suzette to Human Relations (5 answers total)

Best answer: So glad to hear you are doing better! I always think the best thing to do in this sort of situation is to be open and honest. Sooner or later your employer will learn. It is best if it comes from you proactively. You also have a greater degree of control over the narrative if you tell them rather than they find out some other way.

Having said that, I would not be defensive of equivocate. Not I *think* I can do it. Rather, I will give you 100%. I think your phrase that you have learned to work around your disabilities is ok, but I might use limitations instead. I would emphasize that you are positive that all your patients will get first class care. I think the concern will be that you will affect patient care so reassure an interviewer that that is not the case.

I also think that you could discuss how your needing to not work for physical reasons allowed you to take advantage of the being a mom at home and you had several rewarding years with your children as you recovered so that you can now get back to your calling, your work with patients and medical staff.
posted by AugustWest at 2:18 PM on February 7, 2018 [3 favorites]

If you find an employer THROUGH Ticket to Work they are already expecting people with medical histories because they receive a bounty from the SSA when employees they help reach certain milestones.
posted by xyzzy at 3:29 PM on February 7, 2018 [4 favorites]

Healthcare interviewers are going to be pretty understanding, I think. You have a ton of experience and there is little reason not to give you a go, given how in-demand skilled ED nurses are. Agree with the above thought that you should not equivocate -- communicate to potential employers that you're ready to give 110%.

I'd add that having been through the healthcare wringer yourself situates you well to be a hell of an advocate for your patients, which is something you might mention as well.
posted by killdevil at 4:10 PM on February 7, 2018 [1 favorite]

It is best to be upfront, especially as many potential employers may be scouring your social media feeds and can connect the dots anyway. Life happens, and it's great that you can go back after three trying years. I wish you the best of luck.
posted by Alexandra Kitty at 4:24 PM on February 7, 2018

Response by poster: Thanks everyone. I was completely upfront and they hired me!! I've been working for 5 weeks now and it's just like riding a bike!! I'm so happy to be back at work!
posted by Amalie-Suzette at 9:42 AM on April 8, 2018 [2 favorites]