To Disclose or Not to Disclose

[thenea]

I'm entering a nursing program in a few weeks and I was wondering whether or not it would be wise to disclose the fact that I have MS.  I already have my health clearance to train at a hospital for our clinical hours but that's probably because I wasn't diagnosed until a month after I received it.  

If my MS is considered "mild" by my neuro and a majority of my symptoms are sensory related is it even worth mentioning?  I don't feel fatigued at all, don't have balance issues, survived IVSM with little to no side effects and already have a plan in order for when I have to begin DMDs so any possible side effects won't interfere with the days I'll be on site.

Can/will they remove me from the program if I tell them?  I'm going to have to tell my PCP eventually and when I have to get my health clearance next year, I'm wondering how that will effect things.  I feel like I'm doing something terrible but at the same time, I know my body.  If I couldn't handle it or was worried about some sort of risk while working with patients, I wouldn't hesitate to bow out.  I just don't want someone deciding that for me.

[ku111]

I am a nurse and the question they ask is does your health effect your performance.  You say no-so it doesn't.  I never disclosed my health problem until we were taught about it in class.  My teacher had MS and still teaches 15 years later.  My kidney disease never caused me problems not has it any different than someone getting the flu and not being able to work.  Goodluck!  Have fun in nursing school!  We need more nurses!  Yea for you!  Congrats!

[thenea]

Wow, thank you both so much!  Extremely helpful.  

[doublevision1]

I agree with Ren, unless there is an explicit requirement as per your program for you to disclose such issues, then I don't see any reason why it would be a good idea for you to do so now.  I think the only reason why one should be forced to disclose is if such disclosure is somehow required by contract, or if one is requesting accommodation such as reduced or flex hours, reduction in particular duties, ergonomic equipment, etc.  

Whether your PCP must mention it on your next health clearance I think would depend on the questions asked.  It may not be necessary that s/he do so if questions are along the lines of "does this person have a medical condition that prevents them from safely executing their duties" if YOUR particular MS symptoms are benign up to and including the time at which they are asked.  

Even if there is no way to avoid mentioning your MS on your next health clearance even if you are still fine, at least your instructors will have had a full year to get to know you, your work ethic, and hopefully have seen that your condition has not impeded your success in the program, and this might insulate you from any discrimination you might otherwise face as an unknown quantity to them.  

Hope that makes sense.

There is old thread on this topic that I just happened to revive earlier today.  You might find this NY Times article to be helpful, though it deals speifically with employment, and I'm not familiar with American discrimination legislation and whether the same protections exist for students as for workers.

http://www.nytimes.com/2008/02/21/fashion/21WORK.html

[rendean]

Thenea,

I would say do not disclose! I did and it wound up getting me laid off then they "eliminated" my position. It's your health and you know your body the best.  I believe that cannot discrimanate against for your health as long as you are doing your job.

Good luck with clinicals...been there done that. Scary at first then great!

Ren