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Old Oct 14, 2013, 01:00 PM
ultramar ultramar is offline
Poohbah
 
Member Since: Mar 2013
Location: USA
Posts: 1,486
What I finally did was apply for "Intermittent FMLA" -you fill out an application (you can get it from HR), provide supportive documentation from your providers (they fill out a form) re diagnosis, treatment plan, time off for appointments, acute episodes, etc. and it goes to HR for consideration. If you're a CNA at a hospital (I don't know if elsewhere) you will have an Occupational Health department (they're the ones who make sure you get your annual PPD, etc.) and they are the ones who make the decision. Otherwise, I guess it's HR.

What's great about this, is that no information goes to your boss except that your application has been approved (and I guess specifics like time off for appointments and related (unnamed) illness approved); your medical information remains confidential. To me this is ideal: you get official recognition of your 'partial disability', with the accommodations you need/might need, while keeping your med info private.

Again, if you work for a hospital, you should have an Employee Assistance Program --I started by talking to someone there about my concerns (my boss what giving me a lot of flak for my appointments -psych & for medical conditions- during work hours) and they helped me find the information I needed, and pointed me towards websites re disability rights in the workplace.

I just don't think it's a good idea to share diagnosis with managers -them not understanding, stigma, them seeing it as an excuse for behavior, etc. I'd try to get what you need while bypassing revealing such information to your boss. As I say, you can contact HR.

I hope, though, you find a way to work less hours, or find a job where you can. As bipolarnurse I had a managerial position in healthcare and it was a nightmare for my stability: the long hours, always on call, etc. Now I work hourly, but I'm in a position where overtime is optional. If I want, I can earn extra money covering all kinds of shifts, but I don't have to.

Best of luck.
Thanks for this!
anneo59