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what_the? · 06-08-2011, 09:51 AM

Hi,
I recently got a job with the ambulance service, so it's not nursing, but still the NHS.
Health-wise I'm also in a very similar position to you, I (supposedly) have BPD and I self-harm. I take an AD and an AP as well as a benzo, I'm also overweight. So, with regards to how the meeting went the discussions will probably go the same way.

I'm assuming you've already filled in the Occ Health questionnaire, if they've got your notes. If you've been honest on that form then the meeting will go a lot smoother, in my opinion, as there will be no surprises for them.

When I had mine they asked me about my treatment, if I felt that it was working, what I would do if things got really bad again (like would I ask for help/tell my manager etc). They asked me if I honestly felt that I was ready to start work. I had also been asked if I could provide a Drs note to say that I was engaging with treatment and that they were happy that I could cope with the demands of the job.

They were actually really lovely. I was super worried about having my height and weight done, but he explained to me that it's just so that they know what it when you begin, should you experience any ill health due to work, and not so that they can judge you/tell you how to live your life.

Luckily I was deemed fit to work, on the proviso that I have six-monthly Occ-Health reviews, oh and one of the questions they asked me was if they would need to make any adaptations for me, like flexi time.

I just wanted to say that Occ Health are there to help you, and to make sure that you are safe at work (as in it's not damaging to you, not that you are dangerous). If they do say it's not the right time, please, please don't take it to heart and let it get you down. Take their advice, use your HCA work to gain more experience and come back to it when things are a bit more stable. It's clear that working in healthcare is something that you're good at, so they're not going to *want* to turn you away. Just be honest, and don't worry, they'll understand your nerves

Best of luck, I'm sorry for the essay, and if there's anything I can do, just PM me.

06-08-2011, 09:51 AM	#2
what_the? continual crisis Join Date: Oct 2007 I am currently:	Hi, I recently got a job with the ambulance service, so it's not nursing, but still the NHS. Health-wise I'm also in a very similar position to you, I (supposedly) have BPD and I self-harm. I take an AD and an AP as well as a benzo, I'm also overweight. So, with regards to how the meeting went the discussions will probably go the same way. I'm assuming you've already filled in the Occ Health questionnaire, if they've got your notes. If you've been honest on that form then the meeting will go a lot smoother, in my opinion, as there will be no surprises for them. When I had mine they asked me about my treatment, if I felt that it was working, what I would do if things got really bad again (like would I ask for help/tell my manager etc). They asked me if I honestly felt that I was ready to start work. I had also been asked if I could provide a Drs note to say that I was engaging with treatment and that they were happy that I could cope with the demands of the job. They were actually really lovely. I was super worried about having my height and weight done, but he explained to me that it's just so that they know what it when you begin, should you experience any ill health due to work, and not so that they can judge you/tell you how to live your life. Luckily I was deemed fit to work, on the proviso that I have six-monthly Occ-Health reviews, oh and one of the questions they asked me was if they would need to make any adaptations for me, like flexi time. I just wanted to say that Occ Health are there to help you, and to make sure that you are safe at work (as in it's not damaging to you, not that you are dangerous). If they do say it's not the right time, please, please don't take it to heart and let it get you down. Take their advice, use your HCA work to gain more experience and come back to it when things are a bit more stable. It's clear that working in healthcare is something that you're good at, so they're not going to want to turn you away. Just be honest, and don't worry, they'll understand your nerves Best of luck, I'm sorry for the essay, and if there's anything I can do, just PM me.
	"I've learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel. Make us all feel wonderful. We'll never forget."