Discrimination: Hi I work as a nurse... - Atrial Fibrillati...

Atrial Fibrillation Support

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Discrimination

12 Replies

Hi I work as a nurse and last year was diagnosed with proximal AF, I was off work for 6 mouths before my diagnosis was confirmed , I have a reveal device in place which records the amount of episodes I have over a few months. I went back to work at Christmas and only had one episode which resulted me to come home. I am now on sick report if I have another two episodes they will consider my employment. Anyway I applied for a job to extend my career prospects, I was accepted all paperwork checks gone through. Until today the matron off the job I was going to said she pulled my offer due to my heart condition. I am now stuck in limbo and feel unempolyable .

12 Replies
Beancounter profile image
BeancounterVolunteer

Hi Archery

May I suggest the ACAS website, full of really good information about what your employer can and cannot do.

acas.org.uk/index.aspx?arti...

Note that even if registered disabled, which to my knowledge is not automatic with AF they can still go through a process to terminate employment eventually, just more steps.

Just by way of an extract from ACAS for example

"" Have you considered changes so they can return to the job?

Would part-time or flexible working be an option?

Is there suitable alternative work?

Have you been able to properly explore options with the employee's GP, or maybe the company?

While you are not expected to create a special job for the employee, you are expected to try hard to work out where they could again play a part.""

However you appear to be saying they have not even started this process yet, and they have withdrawn your application for another job?

I think that could be at the very least wrongful, and I would ring ACAS for advice first thing on Monday, they are very helpful. 0300 123 1100 8am to 8pm Mon to Fri

Be well

Ian

Vony profile image
Vony

I don't understand this at all. I am sorry for your stress. I work as a nurse too (NHS..are you?). I have daily episodes of severe arryhtmias in work and am always accomodated as per the recommendations of occupational health which are in my reports. Have you discussed these issues in clinical supervision so it is formally recorded and contacted your union? It makes no sense to me. Occupational health had at one time spoken to me about early retirement. I was devastated as I love being a nurse so redeployment to another area was sorted and some amendments to my duties. Let us know how you get on.

in reply to Vony

Occupational health had be informed throughout. yes I am one of the NHS I love my job too it's so rewarding. But when they add this amount of stress levels it's hard not to have these episodes . Union rep came to the sick report stage 1 and was more interested in supporting the trust than myself and how I was feeling. Report was made by occ health and recommendations was made . The job I was going to was less stressful than where I am working but it was not to be . I don't understand it

Don't know how this works in your country, but as a psychotherapist I often provided support and practical advice for people with chronic health disorders struggling to save their jobs. I was able to be a type of touchstone between union representatives, lawyers, supervisors, etc. Message me if you have questions.

jimmysouthgates profile image
jimmysouthgates

NHS or private? If its NHS you could eat them alive with a statement like that pretty sure they have to redeploy you if you cant undertake your duties due to a healthcare need. Im a paramedic and have paf.....if it starts to become more of a problem I will be redeployed, they'll never get rid of me ;-)

jimmysouthgates profile image
jimmysouthgates in reply to jimmysouthgates

Your NHS, sorry now ive read the thread. I think you gonna have to be prettydisabled with the af before they retire you. Nurses get walked over in my opinion because you dont have a pro active union that fights issues like this unlike the amb service. Speak to a rep, remain amacable and rest assured they need to meet you half way, its the law.

NooNoo14 profile image
NooNoo14

I am so sorry you are experiencing this extra stress when you least need it. I hope you find an answer very soon.

Take care.

NooNoo

Thank you everyone yesterday I felt their was nothing I could do and could not continue with the job I love . You all had turned a light on and showed me that light at the end of my tunnel. I will let you all know the adventure as it unwinds.

wendicarro profile image
wendicarro

Hi,

I am also nurse and was also accommodated in my employment. I was eventually offered a different department but was too stressed with the condition to continue, I left with the support of personnel and when I was eventually feeling better which was at least a year and a half later have just returned to post via the nurse bank.

You should speak with your lead manager and let them know the facts of your illness and how it affects you, they have a responsibility as an employer to accommodate you whatever your disability.

If you are considering to change jobs then after interview they are entitled to look at your sick record or at least they were and unless they understand fully your condition they will treat you like every other employee who takes time off sick.

Believe me it really helps to talk with them.

Good luck,

Wendi

in reply to wendicarro

i have spoken to them on many occasions also occupational Health has been involved with recommendations. I think I am in the wrong organisation.

howesgilly profile image
howesgilly

I too am a nurse - although I am a nurse practitioner in primary care. I am pretty sure, as the above posts state, that this cannot be a reason for withdrawing a job offer. If you are able to perform the post when not in AF then it is not a valid reason. Liken it to an epileptic - I am pretty sure they wouldn't have said the same to someone with epilepsy who had sporadic fits.

I have wonderful team at work - although I have only taken time off post cardioversion and for hospital appointments and am now awaiting ablation. My work build in more breaks if I am having an AF day to slow my patients down and have sent me home one day with low BP as a result of taking extra meds for a bout of AF.

However, having said that, I used to work in A&E and feel I would have had problems if I was still there. Even so there is no background to refusing a post on grounds of AF - I would seek union advice or even private advice.

hope you find a role you enjoy and support you soon.

x

PeterWh profile image
PeterWh

Although it is the NHS it is not actually a National Service either for keeping records on patients or fro employees. For people they are employees by the local trust not nationally and changing job from one area to the next means resigning and then starting on a new contract. As I understand it there are basic National policies and guidelines and then local ones and then location specific ones. As with any job it then depends on your immediate manager as to how flexible and accommodating they are. Some are good and others bad. Not only does it depend on their attitude but also their knowledge and their willingness to learn about conditions. Some people (even friends who see people regularly) just can not relate to AF even though they have been told as they can only grasp physical issues / events. Eg someone who has pulled a muscle will get more help and understanding even if it clears up in a couple of months!!! People can see that but not your heart. Nor can they seem to grasp that someone's symptoms and how they are feeling with AF can vary considerably from one day to the next.

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