When I Nearly Collapsed at Work- and it was Dismissed

During a scheduled lunch break on 4/7/25, while students were out of the classroom, I experienced a sudden and alarming physical episode. I had already been feeling light- headed earlier that morning, but the symptoms seemed manageable at the time, and did not initially interfere with my ability to teach. 

During lunch however, things escalated quickly. Although I did not fully lose consciousness, I entered a state where my vision blacked out and I nearly collapsed. I remained cognitively aware and could still feel my body, but I was disoriented and physically unstable. In trying to steady myself, I accidentally knocked over a long table full of students' belongings. 

Fortunately,  the only other person present was a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN). She immediately asked if I was okay, brought me water, checked on me, and even cleaned up the mess. She stayed with me for a short time and eventually had to leave. I explained to her what had just occurred, and I remain grateful for her calm and caring response.

Once my students returned from their break, I informed them that, due to a personal emergency, class would be shortened by a half day, and that we would make up the time on the final day of training (which is typically a half day). I then drove myself home. 

The entire incident occurred in a classroom equipped with a surveillance camera, which may have captured the episode on video.

I notified my direct supervisor immediately after the incident. Her only response was "let me know what happens." There was no intentional inquiry into my well-being, no expression of concern, and no follow-up support from her. No one - not even my direct supervisor- ever followed up or asked me about it afterward. Not once.

This was not an isolated incident. My physical and emotional health had been deteriorating due to sustained workplace stress. I have a pre-existing heart condition that has clearly worsened since starting this job.

 In April 2023, around the time I started this role, I had an echocardiogram. A second echocardiogram conducted after this episode showed a significant exacerbation. I also have written confirmation from my physician, who stated that workplace stress was a contributing factor to the decline. 

This incident, and the indifference that followed from leadership,  became a defining moment. It underscored not only the impact of the job on my health, but also the lack of appropriate response and support when it mattered most.

--K