[Nurse Jeni]

This may seem like a silly question, but since I truly don't know the answer, I'll ask anyway!

A student friend of mine wondered about our medical histories and if it would have any affect on future nursing careers. Her example was a dx of depression or anxiety and that perhaps those things might be thought of as a risk within certain areas of healthcare.

My thought was that we have the same rights as patients when it comes to privacy, but I know that I've also been asked to list any medications I was taking anytime I've applied for a healthcare job, or had a physical. So even without giving our medical histories, if we were on a med for a condition, it could feasibly be known by our employers. Also, wouldn't be discriminatory to not hire someone because of a dx?

Are our own medical histories something we will have to share or have concerns about when we become nurses? Thanks for any insights!

[dramaluvr]

I have wondered the same thing. Good question. I know right now I am doing my physical for nursing school and they ask all those questions for our past medical history and current history such as depression, back pain or any medications we are on. I was really hesitant to put anything down thinking that they would turn me away, but I felt I had to be honest. I turn in my papers to the school this week and I guess I will see if they don't like my answers. I don't think they can discriminate, especially if the doctor deems that you are fit.


Anyway, DOES anyone know?

[nurseshawna]

i don't necessarily know about them being used against you. i just remember when i was applying for my program, my advisor said that if i had ever taken rx drugs for depression and the like, i needed to speak with the head of the program, and our paperwork said if we had ever been dx'd with stuff like depression (not sure if it stated severity) or bipolar and etc, that we wouldhave to do something like present a written letter to the board of nursing. that's all i know, good luck!

[shyne]

They shouldn't do that. There are several people in my program with ADHD and some dx with depression and they were accepted into the program. I guess what matters is that you are being treated for whatever problem you have.

[patti101]

I've seen this happen...do not tell them anything...a friend listed arthritis and was told that no one would hire her...what the ...? They don't need to know everything about you..

[RNKittyKat]

You're healthy, healthy, healthy!!. Just keep repeating that.

[Peppermint]

. )

[kbella126]

I was told by my PA father & RN mother that you don't tell them anything.....If I were you, I wouldn't take any chances by telling them you are taking "whatever".

[glopop11]

Originally Posted by kbella126

I was told by my PA father & RN mother that you don't tell them anything.....If I were you, I wouldn't take any chances by telling them you are taking "whatever".

I agree with one exception: Some prescription drugs show up in drug tests. If you don't tell them you're taking it, and it shows up....no job!

[manna]

Honesty is the best policy.

Glopop - Drug screens are what came to mind when I read this question as well.