[alt1268]

I was let go from my job at the hospital when I was put on my rollabout. Now I am off the rollabout and doing fairly well with my pain patchs. However, I can not go back to lifting and standing 12 hour shifts at the hospital.
I have been looking for work in dr.'s offices and I am running into the same question. "Why did you leave the hospital?" and when I tell them I don't seem to get any call back. I don't even mention the RSD just the fracture.
What else can I do? I am so tired of being in the house.

[LIT LOVE]

Your best bet will likely be working for a public health service, since you can receive priority placement due to your disability. It's been years since I looked into this, but the best place to start would be your local Vocational Rehabilitation Services. Some companies in the private sector receive tax breaks for hiring disabled employees as well. Insurance companies hire nurses to speak with their customers, etc.

There are definitely job databases for disabled workers, like here: http://www.rileyguide.com/abled.html

[Nanc]

Hi alt! Sorry about your job and difficulty finding a new one. It's great that you are feeling up to working again

You know that you do not have to tell your interviewer the medical reason for your separation from your previous employer. It is discriminatory and unlawful for them to hold that against (even though they won't tell you that is the reason, you can guess it is). Their fear would be that happening to you again or complications from it and them having to go through the expense of accommodating you, etc.

You can tell them something as simple as needing some time off for personal reasons...or something like that. If they check references and contact the hospital, it is unlawful for the hospital to state that you were discharged and why.

Lit Love has a great suggestion on the type of work to look for.

Good Luck!
Nanc

[alt1268]

Thanks for all the great advice. I am enrolled with vocational rehab. (although it has been a slow process of getting help. Been trying since December and they state they are still waiting for my records)
I also think it is a great idea just to tell potential employers that I needed to take some personal time. Instead of the fracture thing. I always have been an upfront and honest person but I feel this is really hurting my chances of getting a job.

[Nanc]

Originally Posted by alt1268

Thanks for all the great advice. I am enrolled with vocational rehab. (although it has been a slow process of getting help. Been trying since December and they state they are still waiting for my records)
I also think it is a great idea just to tell potential employers that I needed to take some personal time. Instead of the fracture thing. I always have been an upfront and honest person but I feel this is really hurting my chances of getting a job.

Hope the rehab going soon and that it goes well!!

Yeah, sometimes being too honest like that does more harm than good! Your intentions are good but most employers these days think more about the bottom line than anything. An applicant mentioning anything related to a medical condition brings thoughts of potential loss in their heads. AND they cannot ask you about anything like that - that's a big no no!!

Praying that something works out for you soon!
Nanc

[catra121]

Originally Posted by alt1268

I was let go from my job at the hospital when I was put on my rollabout. Now I am off the rollabout and doing fairly well with my pain patchs. However, I can not go back to lifting and standing 12 hour shifts at the hospital.
I have been looking for work in dr.'s offices and I am running into the same question. "Why did you leave the hospital?" and when I tell them I don't seem to get any call back. I don't even mention the RSD just the fracture.
What else can I do? I am so tired of being in the house.

You already got some great advice but I just wanted to chime in and say that I am happy that you are doing well enough to go back to work! Good luck!

[painman2009]

hey alt... not sure but just incase.. if you are on ssdi and you wish to look for a job they have a department as well that helps placing you. They are extremely helpful as they would prefer that you return to work and off disability asap.(so they don't have to pay) but what ever the reason its good help... good luck

[alt1268]

yes i get ssdi. It is very little because of the workers comp I receive. I also go vocational rehab yesterday. Of course my case worker was out. The secretary said she would check and see if they have received all my information and call me back. NO CALL! So I was a little down in the dumps yesterday along with an increase in pain.

[painman2009]

hey ..your on the computer any way.. try and pull up the info with the website given on your ssdi award letter.. get ahead of the paper work if you can...