Tips for Tube Feeding on the Job
Medically Reviewed by Janel Ganz, BSN, RN, Enteral Feeding Specialist
Your feeding tube has the job of helping you get the nutrition you need. And you will keep doing your job while the tube works, as well. No matter what you do for a living, having a feeding tube will change some of your routines at work, but it should not prevent you from working.
Some jobs that require a lot of activity may require your healthcare team to help decide if you can return to that same work or if you need to find a different job. But in most cases, tube feeding does not have to stop you from doing your job well. Below are some tips to integrate tube feeding into your professional life.
Be Up-Front
No law says you must tell your employer or supervisor you have a feeding tube. But we suggest you be honest about it because hiding it may keep you from getting support and protection. In some cases, laws help protect workers from being fired for health reasons.‡
- In the U.S., this can include the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) and/or the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). The U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) helps ensure people with medical issues are not discriminated against in employment.
- In Canada, the Canadian Human Rights Act (CHRA), as well as, the Employment Equity Code and Canada Labour Code protect workers from discrimination for medical reasons. Canadian and provincial Human Rights Commissions help enforce these protections.
Set up a meeting with your supervisor, human resources (HR), and even company leadership to talk about the situation and ask for any adjustments you need. If you work in an office, you may want a private room for feedings or permission to store formula in office refrigerators without the fear of having it thrown away. If you work in a service job, you may need to ask for set break times during your shift for feedings, or a chair so you do not need to stand at the counter. It is up to you how much you share about your health. An HR representative can make sure you are not put on the spot with questions you would rather not answer.
Ask For Help
Even small changes and acts of support can help you stay healthier and less stressed on the job. Here are some ideas:
- If it makes sense for your job, ask if you can change your schedule to support the times you use for tube feeding.
- If you have regular doctor appointments, let your manager or supervisor know so they are always noted on the schedule.
- If you can work remotely, ask if you can do so more often or all the time. This might just be needed until you are back to regular activity and the site is healed.
- Ask your employer to help find a place where you can clean your supplies. If you would rather not use a sink, keep a basin or bowl that only you use.
Overall, you never know how flexible your company can be if you never ask.
Keep Your Support Circle Close
It can be emotionally tough to use a feeding tube at work, especially when trying to do the best job you can. Having lots of support helps. A trusted group of friends, family, care team members, and even coworkers, can make the job easier while you are adjusting to your feeding tube. Share your feelings, your challenges and your successes. When people have a better understanding and open communication, this can help with anxiety.
Monitor Your Health
If you are not well, it can stand in the way of your job. It is important to take time to relax and take care of yourself, both physically and mentally. If you are in pain or feeling strong negative emotions, keep the lines of communication open and do not wait to ask for help.
Knowing you have support and using that support is the key to workday success in any case. It is especially important when using tube feeding at work.
‡It is recommended you consult your company’s Human Resources policies and resources or consult with legal counsel to determine what your legal rights are in the workplace.
