schizophrenic nanny

[teobaldo]

I was looking for a temp nanny to look after my dd who is 1 for one day a week and for my son when he comes back from school (he is 5). I called a nanny agency to have more guarantess. They sent me two women, the one I preferred mentioned that she is on antidepressant medications, I kind of panicked but talked to the agency that assured me that she is a wonderful person, really good with the other girl she is looking after. She told me that the other family has asked to look a letter from the doctor and that perhaps I could ask her as well ( given that I felt it was rude to ask for the reasons of the medications. Anyway to cut a long story short she came to show me the letter, which said she was actually schizophrenic but stable with medications and ok to look for work ( did not mention children though) This woman is lovely, so one side of me feels I should not discriminate her the other just think after all my responsability is towards my children.... Any advise ? I am actually quite annoyed with the agency. Does anyone know if legally is it possible for a schizophrenic on medications to work with children ?

Catsareevil, English isn't the OP's first language. Given the "nanny state" we live in, it's not entirely unreasonable of the OP to think that employment of those with a serious (albeit potentially manageable) condition might be regulated. It's a perfectly reasonable question.

Surely it's better to address any issue head on, rather than try and supress it and allow it to fester?

Also the nanny might find early mornings difficult if the meds make her sleep heavily.

I also agree that the question is not derogatory. Is it any worse than asking say, if people with serious heart problems are legally allowed to drive?

Yes she could relapse, but tbh it didn't happen suddenly and you would see the warning signs. I personally can understand your fears as it is after all a psychotic illness and the sufferer loses insight when they are ill. But if it is well controlled she is just like anyone else. I think you just have to go on gut really, as you always have to when it comes to childcare. If you like her, hire her. If you don't, don't.

Actually catsarevil, the reason why I asked about the legal implication, is because I read a post online from some one with a schizophrenic disorder, who was asking if anyone knew if legally she could accept a secondary student in her house for the holiday. OK no more reading on the internet I get it. The fact that I liked the nanny and I am trying to find out more about the disease, shows, I think that I want to give her a chance. My son had a wonderful key-worker at his nursery, he babysat for us as well many times, he was on anti depressant medications,decided to stop and committed suicide. My son, one year after his death, keeps asking me if he can go to see him (the nursery decided not to tell the children ), so yes am sorry but I am not embarassed to ask questions as my main concern is my daughter. Thanks for those suggesting to check references, I will, I have not done it so far, because I feel awkward about it, as much as I felt awkward asking her more about it. I am sure it is not nice to speak to a stranger about a personal condition.

..I think catsareevil your first message contraddicted the second one, if I understood it correctly. I would also appreciate if you could talk to me rather than about me ! Thanks !

Could you point out where I was contradictory and I will try to explain what I meant better?

HeartsTrumpDiamonds - apology to me not required, but very sweet of you, thank you. I hope your row with DH can be sorted out and isn't too serious... still, you know where to come if you need to talk it out!

catsareevil - I'm sorry if this is touching a raw nerve for you :( However, if someone hasn't had personal experience of something, you can't expect them to know everything about it. I agree with Maya 'it's no different than asking if people with serious heart problems are legally allowed to drive'.

It would have been pretty awful for the OP to dismiss the applicant out of hand because of her MH issues, but she didn't, she came onto a parenting site to get some advice. So, no, I don't think it is an issue of 'stigma'.

Its not a raw nerve for me, but I do find some of this thread stigmatising and I dont think that the analogy with driving with severe heart disease is an especially apt one.
How likely is it that a well person with a diagnosis of schizophrenia is going to harm children? Likely enough that it should be legally prevented?

I expect that we all agree that it shouldnt be illegal, so to me the assumption that it might be says something about the way that society views people with schizophrenia.

What are the potential risks and how can they be minimised?

Could you speak to the nanny about it? Find out what she feels her limits are and her weaknesses with regards to any meds she may be taking? I'm very upfront about my medical problems with my employers (and was at interview) and explained what that meant with regards to my job role and how I adapt things to suit me. I'm sure she'll be happy to answer any questions or concerns you have, especially as she's been honest about an illness that is often misunderstood.

I'm quite surprised OP has been aggressively jumped on in this way. I don't think it's unreasonable at all to have these concerns and ask these questions. I would happily employ a lady with this diagnosis in my team at work if she was in treatment and stable. I too would think twice and ask questions before employing her to have sole charge of my very young child in my home. It's fantastic she's doing so well and should be supported. But you would have to understand quite a lot about the condition to be confident this couldn't change quickly - and that is what OP is trying to do.

I don't think she should have been jumped on either. My brother has schizophrenia and I would want further information tbh as I have seen how the course varies etc. It wouldn't put me off though if she was stable and had been for a significant period

I think catsareevil that the problem is that most people only become aware of people with schizophenia where there is a problem and it becomes "visible" in a negative way, they dont see, and are not aware, of the thousands of people affected by the condition that are quietly getting on with life.

Yes there are some people who are very intolerant but I dont think that is happening here ..... it is just people being unsure of the condition and wanting to be careful as its the care of their DC that is at stake.

Hear Hear Chipping in, so agree,
A favourite saying of mine to my kids is, if you dont ask, you dont learn, simple really.
I dont get why some people have to jump on people and start having a go simply because the person asking the question doesnt know the terminology of some things or how to phrase certain issues in a certain way, if that makes sense?
Surely the fact theyve asked a question about a certain issue/s would mean in most cases they want to find out more?

And I do appreciate there are some out there that just want to Troll tho.

Really shocked at some people on here, personally I would not leave my dc with a nanny that has schizophrenia, it's fine if they take their medication. My sister has it and is the loveliest person when she takes her medication . Then she decides she does not need it and goes down downhill.

The op was asking for some advice. Give her a break. She is employing her so it's up to her.

The 'old' CRB check had to include a section signed by your G.P, confirming they thought you were 'fit' to work with children.
During my NNEB training, a fellow student had a seizure at college. She had been diagnosed with epilepsy as a child but had not had a seizure 3 yrs prior starting the course. She had to leave the course as the G.P was unable to say if she was working alone, the children in her care would be safe. I always thought it was a bit harsh. Was quite a few years ago,though.

Maybe you could ask for another letter from the G.P, asking to specifically confirm that they are fit to work as a sole charge nanny?

I would support asking for a medical report focusing on work with children, as I think that may settle things in your mind?

HereIgo - how many languages do you speak/write fluently?

tazzle you are right, I think. 7 people in every thousand have schizophrenia, but I expect that many will be cautious about who they tell.

I haven't read the whole thread btw, but tbh I wouldn't consider using her for a moment. My wonderful brother is on drugs for schizophrenia and while I know he tries as hard as possible to be 'normal' (hate that word) he has also admitted that sometimes he just feels in a bit of a trance. There are other nannies.

I can see why teobaldi would have her reservations, she sounds very fair that she is considering her. It's not as though she has said an outright no.

Of course it's all right its the same as a diabetic (who has taken the correct medication) I can't beleive people are still so ignorant about mental illness