working night shifts,,,

At my work, I've been told that we have to do three month rotations on night shift, I'm a nurse.  From everything I've heard and read, that could be a bad thing for someone who's bipolar.  Should I be worried?  What do I do?  Is my doctor able, if I need them to, to write a note saying this would be a bad idea?

Rodger

[starbunny]

Well I did six months of shift work days /nights and it caused one of the worst episodes of my life from which I am still recovering, and have not worked since. My doctor has said I definately shouldn't do shift work again and has offered to write me a letter. At the time It felt like I was managing well, too well (but obviously not). Please be careful and get some advice from your doctor beforehand.

[doctora]

Hi ya
Yeah working night shift is not a good idea. BP people need routine for stability, and the proper rest. Your sleeping pattern is going to get all screwed up, and as far as a routine goes, forget that.
Your doctor could write a note for you, but wouldnt that raise a few red flags to your employer?

[rogelio63]

Actually,,my employer already knows.  I talked to her about it and she's been very understanding and supportive.  We'll see how this goes over though,,,

[paranoid_cataclysm]

I would say your doctor could write a note regarding you not doing it.  I was working five days a week for example when I normally work four and I had relapsed and am still recovering from that and asked my doctor if I should be doing that and he said no probably not and now I am working four days once again.  Anything medically bad for you, I don't think an employer can make you do if your doctor says so as long as you can still perform the essential functions of the job with your accommodations.

[rogelio63]

Actually, how this all ended up was my doctor wrote the note, my commanding officer talked to me privately and said that technically this made me not fit for duty.  I had to get my doc to write another note saying that I would be able to work nights if necessary and we would work on some coping skills.  Otherwise, I probably would've lost my job.  By the way I don't work for any military service, but I do work for a uniformed service that is very similar.
Rogelio