Starting a new job with cardiomyopathy
If you’re starting a new job, or starting your first job, you might be excited, and you might be nervous too. When you have cardiomyopathy, you might have a few more things to think about, but it's important to remember that having cardiomyopathy does not define you or limit your potential for success. Instead, let it empower you to advocate for yourself and seek the resources you need to thrive.
Cardiomyopathy shouldn’t stop you from having a career. However, you might need to think about the conditions you are working in, such as:
- working long hours on your feet
- driving heavy machinery
- any risks from the environment to your health.
If you feel able, having an open discussion with prospective employers about your options could be helpful.
Talk to your employer
Talk to your employer as soon as possible if you feel your condition could affect your ability to do your job. This means you can find a solution sooner rather than later, that suits both of you. For example, it may be possible for you to work part-time or from home some days.
Where possible, this might also include changing or modifying tasks, altering work patterns, installing special equipment, allowing time off to attend appointments, or helping with travel to work.
Here are some things to consider that may help you start work:
- Try and talk to your medical professional early, tell them about your new job and ask them whether they can think of any adjustments you could ask for. They may think of things you wouldn’t have thought of.
- Make sure you know about your cardiomyopathy diagnosis and history. Transitioning from the paediatric service to the adult service may have helped you understand more about your condition and how to manage it.
- If you’re moving to a new area for work, consider making an appointment to see your cardiologist before you move. You may need to be referred to another cardiology team. You may need to make sure all necessary tests have been done (ECG, echocardiogram, ICD check, etc.). While you are there, get copies of your clinic letters/test results.
- Discuss with your Nurse Specialist to see whether they can provide a health care plan. This can help you understand and explain your cardiomyopathy condition clearly, including symptoms, treatment and what to do in an emergency.
- If you are taking medication, consider whether your job could impact the times you take your medication. It’s perfectly reasonable to discuss taking a break at a specific time to allow you to take medication, and they should help to assist in making sure you get the time you need.
- Consider wearing a medical ID bracelet or carry an ICD card (if you have one) in case of any emergency.
- Your cardiac nurse specialist, our website and our specialist nurse helpline are great sources of information if you have more questions.
- Know where the closest defibrillator is and ensure that management are aware of your device and first aiders know how to help you in an emergency.
- If you have an ICD – Make sure you keep up with your devices team and know how to access and carry out remote downloads.
Finding the right balance for you
Keeping up with a busy life and a new job can sometimes be exhausting, especially with cardiomyopathy. Be aware of your limitations and be kind to yourself. If you are finding after a full week at work you are having to spend the weekend in bed, have a look at your workload and see if you can adjust your timetable. You can contact your healthcare team, your employer or our specialist nurse helpline for support with this.
The law and your rights
The Equality Act 2010 protects people in England, Wales, and Scotland with a disability at work. ‘Disability’ includes a physical impairment that has a substantial and long-term effect on your ability to perform normal day-to-day activities.
The law protects people with disabilities from being discriminated against or treated unfairly. The Act gives protection in various areas, including employment. Discrimination means treating someone in a way that is unfair or puts them at a disadvantage because of a protected characteristic. Some people may need different treatment to be treated equally.
If you feel that you are being discriminated against at work, talk to your manager or human resources representative. Ask about a referral to the occupational health department, if there is one. A doctor might be able to advise the employer. If you cannot resolve the issue, you might want to seek legal advice, possibly via your trade union.
FAQs
Check your contract or speak with HR, as many employers provide time off for medical appointments without using annual leave.
Reasonable adjustments should be tailored to your role and specific needs. You could ask to work from home on certain days, a lighter laptop, to only work from certain floors, to be able to take more regular breaks, to be able to sit down or for ergonomic seating.
Learn more about reasonable adjustments on the Acas website.
Talk openly with your manager. If your employer has an occupational health department, they can provide valuable support. You should get a fair and supportive medical assessment and accurate advice.
Consider what adjustments might be helpful ahead of your meeting. Your healthcare professionals might be able to assist with this.
There are a few jobs that you might not be able to do for health and safety reasons. These include airline pilots, and the armed forces. Jobs involving heavy lifting, operating heavy equipment, or handling electrical equipment or magnets, could be an issue especially if you have a device fitted like an ICD. In these cases, speak to your employer at the soonest opportunity.
It can be helpful to speak to your employer early so they can help support you. You don’t have to do this during the application process if you’re not comfortable doing so. Some people prefer to do this after a job offer is made, or during the induction process. You aren't obligated to disclose your condition during the application stage unless it directly impacts health and safety requirements or essential job functions.
As much as you feel comfortable with. You only need to discuss the essentials, like how it can affect you at work. You may want to tell them how often your appointments might be. Don’t feel pressured to give any more information than you are comfortable in giving. You can't get in trouble for not going into extra detail.
Yes, you can take time off if you are unwell. If you’re off work for 7 days or less, you don’t need to provide proof of sickness. For absences longer than 7 days in a row, you’ll need a proof of sickness called a 'fit note'. Your medical professional can help you with this.
You can find more details here: Taking sick leave - GOV.UK
Once you’re ready to return to work, if you feel it would help, you can discuss extra adjustments with your employer, to help ease you back in. This could include returning a few days at a time or working from home on certain days.
Check with your employer or HR department to find out what your company's policies for recording sickness are.
If your operation is considered medically necessary, the rules for sickness absence apply.
You don’t have to provide proof of a medical appointment, but it can be helpful to have appointment letters ready if you are comfortable.
If you know the minimum recovery time and any recommended adjustments for returning to work in advance, it could be helpful to discuss them at this stage.