Page 1 of 1

Just diagnosed with Dyspraxia after working in job for a few months?

Posted: Wed Apr 05, 2017 3:20 pm
by EnglaC1
I've been working as a nurse for 2 months now, I have struggled with some elements, particularly first aid, however I have many opportunities in the future to try again. Simple question, do I tell my employer that I have being now diagnosed with dyspraxia? My family have told me not too as they believe this may jeopardize my job, as they say they wouldn't have employed me if they knew I had this.. Or do I just keep quiet? I feel torn :(

Re: Just diagnosed with Dyspraxia after working in job for a few months?

Posted: Wed Apr 05, 2017 3:31 pm
by Shadwell
Welcome to the forum, this really depends on the individual at the end of the day, unless on trial. the employer can't just fire you on the spot, but they can make the working enviroment more awkward for the person.

this question has been asked lots on the forum if you want to look up others replies.

so my advice is if you can maintain a job to the standard required is not to say anything until the trial period is over if you are on one.

Re: Just diagnosed with Dyspraxia after working in job for a few months?

Posted: Wed Apr 05, 2017 5:41 pm
by EnglaC1
Hmm... am actually still on trial, I need to do first aid again and I was hoping if I told them this, then I should explain that I'm dyspraxic.. so I can get support?

Re: Just diagnosed with Dyspraxia after working in job for a few months?

Posted: Wed Apr 05, 2017 5:56 pm
by invisible2014
EnglaC1 wrote:Hmm... am actually still on trial, I need to do first aid again and I was hoping if I told them this, then I should explain that I'm dyspraxic.. so I can get support?
Hi englac1,I completed understand i had a job few years ago as a clinical support worker and resigned as couldn't do cpr,and felt humiliated,u have deeply regretted this decision ever since and wish had disclosed my dyspraxia so could have got support,ive applied again and been invited for an interview and this time have disclosed it and sent an email to the interviewer so can get support if sycsesful as is my dream job ,my advice is to be honest,they can't sack yo for dyspraxia as this is discrimination and they can provide plenty of support like one to one first aid and will understand where as if you don't them they might not provide appropriate support good luck and I'm sure dyspraxia wont stop you doing you dream career xxxx

Re: Just diagnosed with Dyspraxia after working in job for a few months?

Posted: Wed Apr 05, 2017 10:31 pm
by Tom fod
Just to add to the other responses:

The RCN produced a guide to supporting staff with learning differences some years ago. As others point out if you disclose your dyspraxia your employer than has a duty to support you and consider what reasonable adjustments they can make to help you in performing your duties. There is no legal obligation to disclose and also you didn't know when you started.

If you disclose and they don't take reasonable steps to support you you would be justified in taking them to an Employment Tribunal.

If you had known when you applied and disclosed at the time that you had dyspraxia and they decided not to take you on for that reason, they would be acting illegally.

We get a lot of questions about Disclosure here and it does often feel like a double edged sword.

Re: Just diagnosed with Dyspraxia after working in job for a few months?

Posted: Sun Apr 16, 2017 8:05 am
by Jim
Absolutely.

The best action is to be up front and completely honest. They can't support you in it if they aren't aware and any discrimination on the grounds of dyspraxia is indeed unlawful.

Dyspraxia need not be a barrier to a career in nursing, I personally know some rather fantastic nurses who are dyspraxic many of whom are also in senior positions.

So it's definitely possible. So be open about your difficulties to get the support and then bring your strengths to the forefront.