HR Meeting was not as bad as expected this time. I’m still focussing on getting back to work January then with accrued holidays probably mid feb. I hope my optimistic outlook shined throughout the meetings 😉 (don’t tell them about the little wobble I had earlier) HR are sending me to OH and will be writing to my consultant to see what they recommend in terms of adjustments and if I should return back at all. Ill health may still be an avenue to go down depending on the feedback from the consultant regarding the scan. So that’s me for another month. I’ve to continue building my confidence going out with the oxygen and keep attending vitality classes. I managed to avoid meeting the children as the assembly was underway. Next time I’m determined I’ll greet the children and get this hurdle out of the way. Thanks for the support x
I’ve been absent from work since the start of the new academic year. Last night I heard that there is an assembly happening at my work today - the assembly will be in the hall that’s right at the main entrance of the building at the exact same time I’ve to attend for a meeting with HR regarding my absence. Panic mode! Everyone all pupils and staff will see me with the oxygen kit on. I’ve had to recompose myself and realise this isn’t such a bad thing after all. It will give me the opportunity to walk talk, pretend I’m brave and may even deter some of our youngsters from lighting up if they haven’t already done so. My concern is the pupils who are lovely and by the very nature of some of their learning needs, don’t hold back and I’m just not sure I’m strong enough to be bombarded by their questions just yet as my anxiety is already up worrying about the Absence Management Meeting. The last meeting which was after my first Absence Management Meeting the HR were openly happy to retire me. I don’t want to retire yet. I’m still young and anyway I don’t know how much of a difference the Ambulatory oxygen is going to make to my life. I’ve only been using it the last 3 weeks. Any tips out there to alleviate the HR’s fears regarding my ability to do a job similar to my last one (last one is now out as it involved teaching children how to cook in the kitchen- a no no with the oxygen) and the safety of ambulatory oxygen in the workplace?
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Remember the benefits of adrenaline that kick in when facing challenges like this, many a time I had to face situations of stress which I approached in a trembling state until I walked onto the stage as it where. Then all the past learning and experience comes to the fore. You sound to me to be such a person. Walk tall 😘x
I understand what you mean. "Coming out" with the tank and cannula. It is very daunting. I taught ages twelve to seventeen. They don't hold back. 😒The first few minutes will be like a bucket of cold water. Then it gets better. If you want to go back to work at the same school , then think of this as an introduction of your new circumstances. They are going to see you eventually anyway. Everyday. And because you have a meeting and they have assembly you don't have to linger for long. Be candid. Tell them your lungs are poorly and you need the support of oxygen, but also add how you have missed seeing them. And ask them about them. It will deflect off of you. They like to feel important as we know. 😀 Then look at your watch and say you have a meeting, but you hope to see them soon. The truth is if management sees them swarming about you , they will think (rightly) that you were missed, seeing positive interaction will lead them to a positive decision I think. I know this because I used to hire teachers for my city. Trick of the trade, watch all interaction. 😊 I think you need to be prepared for questions about managing oxygen whilst teaching. They are likely to want to know things like if it runs out what would happen, if there is an emergency involving you or a student how would you cope, how much time you'd need to see your doctor every month, I think you get the picture. If you think up scenarios they can throw at you, think it through and come up with the best answers you can provide I think you have a good chance of showing them you are able to function and maybe even function better than when you were oxygen deprived.
I recall another member, a teacher who used o2 at school, although I think she was from the US. The way that I see it is that o2 is no different to having to use a walking stick, it is an aide to help with your disability.
As for the children, of course their curiosity will be raised, with their young inquiring minds. Just answer their questions as truthfully as you can, they will appreciate the honesty. Trying to hedge around their questions will only attract even more intense questions of "but why?, but why?"
In my experience children can understand big words and concepts even if they cannot voice them for themselves.
As Don has said, "Walk tall", you can get through this.
You’ve had some good advice above and as a former teacher and later team manager I would advise reading the guidelines on use of oxygen . There must be some written guidance on this maybe in the disability policy. If there isn’t any there should be. HR have to be seen to be completely non discriminatory and if they are they may be infringing their own guidelines. You could maybe have a word with your union rep if you’re in a union and also ask your rep to go with you to the meeting otherwise take a friend with you.
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