Career Catastrophe with Crohns

[Holly]

Hi Guys,
I don't know if you lot know, but I am a Trainee Teacher
studying to teach ages 3-11.
Since diagnosis my consultant and my current part-time job boss have commented on whether teaching is the right career for me, with constantly being around children when having no immune system to fight off any germies the children want to share.
This however made me more determined to pursue my career in teaching because I don't like being told I can't do things!
So anyway I passed first year (by some miracle, cos a lot of the time I was in hospital with Crohns related stuff, writing assignments on a Gastro ward how exciting!)
Anywho... I am now in my second year of Uni and they are starting to write my references to attach to my CV.
My tutor has asked me if I want to mention my Crohns disease in there and put a positive spin on it (...she has fought a terrible illness and yet her education didn't suffer) type spin, or whether to leave it out altogether as though it doesn't exsist.
Apparently employers can't discriminate, due to illness. But they will, and they do. So.... I am unsure, my tutor thinks it will be a good idea to put Crohns in my CV. I am not too sure?
Fellow Crohnies, advice please?

 

[2thFairy]

Hmm... tough question. My first reaction is no, but this is tough.

I am wanting to start training for surgical technician. I started thinking about it one day a little too long and questioned whether my ostomy would be considered a potential hazard on the job (leaks, puncture by equipment, or other type trauma). I asked my future instructor if this would disqualify me from the program and/or limit my hirablility after completing the program. Her response was that nobody needed to know about it. So, at least for now, I'll stick with that. I may change my mind in the future.

 

[grinch]

I am a senior Pre Law major at NCA&TSU. I graduated from Guilford Technical Community College with an Associates Degree in Paralegal Technology and I am presently considering Law School. I'm really scared that I might come up on that same situation and I have split reservations as to whether to reveal Crohns to potential employers too. I'm just gonna try it both ways and see what happens.

 

[rygon]

no. I wouldn't put the specifics in there but i'd add the general account

This is what I wrote in my cv

I have successfully combined my work with studies and other commitments, showing myself to be self-
motivated, organised and capable of working under pressure.

Remember, they will have hundreds of applicants, sell yourself but only include the positives, the layout definitely matters (only 2 pages long) and the 1st couple of paragraphs needs to capture them.

This is what I wrote

I am a fully accredited Shift Operating Technician for *****, who also has an extensive background in mechanical maintenance and is a Safety Authorised Person under the Safety Rules.

I have successfully combined my work with studies and other commitments, showing myself to be self-
motivated, organised and capable of working under pressure.
I have a clear, logical mind with a practical approach to problem solving and a drive to see things through
to completion. I enjoy, and capable of working on my own initiative or in a team.

 

[ctrl z]

Your personal health details are none of their business.

Good luck