Recent case: Donna had been a nurse at the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center for more than 30 years when she was terminated for breaking numerous rules. She is diabetic and must eat regularly to maintain steady blood sugar levels. Otherwise, she experiences hypoglycemic episodes accompanied by irritability. She was allowed to take regular breaks and she only worked two 12-hour shifts and two eight-hour shifts instead of the standard three 12-hour shifts.
In 2011, Donna was suspended for violating patient confidentiality. In 2014, she was written up for pharmaceutical mistakes that could have endangered patients. Meanwhile, she was counseled repeatedly for being rude and hostile. She received a final warning.
Then, during one of her 12-hour shifts, Donna claimed she was too busy to eat and became “irritable and cranky” due to a hypoglycemic episode. She argued with a doctor and threatened to hurt co-workers. She was fired.
Donna sued, claiming her disability triggered the outbursts and therefore the hospital fired her because she was disabled. The court didn’t buy her excuses and tossed out her case. (Katz v. UPMC, 3rd Cir.)
