Embarassing Question

[mmgirlsmom]

I have a rather embarassing question that was prompted after reading someone else's post about her employer looking at her medical records and if it was a violation.

First of all, I am currently in pre nursing and hoping to be accepted in to the nursing program for the fall of 2010.

Several years ago I went through a divorce, started dating someone and he was tragically killed. Due to the stress of this and the mixture of anti-depressants I was on I became suicidal and tried to over does. I was taken to the ER and kept in the psych ward for a few days. Since then I was weaned off of the medication and have had no further problems.

I am wondering if I would ever be able to apply for a job at that particular hospital or would they see this and deny me employment?

Is this situation going to come back to haunt me in the future if I try and gain employment as a nurse. Like I stated I have had no further issues and it was becuase of the circumstances and medication combo that these events occured. I am very embarassed by this but unfortunately it happend.

Thanks for you input

[kfarinato]

An employer looking at medical records is a violation as far as I know. It would be like you looking at a co-workers. I would hope that your situation does not come back to bite you or effect your chances of future empolyment. I worked with a nurse who recently told me that a few years ago when she was out, it was due to a suicide attempt. It has not effected her employment at all and she recently became an RN first assist.

[GOMER42]

So long as you don't disclose it, potential employers will be non the wiser to it.

They cannot review your past medical records without your consent.

Good luck in your future journeys

[TruNurse86]

I am sorry but I have no advice to give. :confused:I would only like to say that you should not be embarrassed by this. You went through a traumatic experience and I am very glad that you are here today and on the right track to acheiving your dreams!!

[SpaceCoastRN]

Might want to check with your state nursing board on the rules/requirements for application for a license. I recall something on there about being treated or confined for psychiatric issues.

[mmgirlsmom]

I checked into the application and the only thing it asks is if I have been convicted of r crime and if I had been undergoing alchohol or stubstance abuse with x number of years see nothing about psychiatric issues. I will continue to look though.

[TheCommuter, BSN, RN]

My state's board of nursing wants potential applicants to disclose if they have had any type of psychiatric treatment that they might have undergone within the past 5 years.

I once worked at a community psychiatric facility that banned all former inpatients from applying for employment with their company for a 12 month period. After the 12 months elapsed, they would accept your application for employment.

[ozoneranger]

I worked with a nurse that tried to kill her husband. It was common knowledge among everyone we worked with.

People who know him, say he had it coming......

If she can get a job in nursing, anyone can.

I'm happy to hear you're doing better. Losing a loved one is so very hard. I would hope any further contact with those who were involved in your care would be encounters where your privacy is respected, and your triumph over tragedy would be celebrated.

Best of luck to you, whatever you career path you choose.

[BluegrassRN]

I don't think that they run a check on your records to see if you were treated at that facility.

But if they do, or if in some way this comes up and you are asked about it, turn it to your favor. Provide some detail to them about how important an experience your hospitalization was, how the experience caused you to grow and become a better person, how the nursing care you received influenced your decision to become a nurse (if it did) and how you feel you will be a better nurse due to your personal experience.

Rather than being ashamed of your past, be proud of how you handled it and of the person you have become.

Personally, I see this as no different than a former alcoholic who is now a nurse, or a person who had to be treated for a medical condition that now has the condition under control. Our hospital hired a type I diabetic who had been treated previously at our facility. Her condition is under control, and she's a GREAT resource for the rest of us on type one diabetes. Why not hire her? Why not hire you? You were treated for a health crisis that is now well controlled and with which you have had no further issues. Maybe if you view it like this, you won't be so nervous.

[rn-jane]

I think you should be very proud of who you have become. I worked with a young nurse engaged to be married about 6 years ago. She knew the guy for over ten years. 3 days before the wedding he tells her he wanted out of the wedding because he was in love with her best friend(maid of honor). She overdosed on ativan and was in our psych ward for over 2 months getting herself together. She just graduated from nurse practioner school and is engaged to be married this year to a real great guy. Nobody held this against her, no nurses, doctors or any administration. So if someone happens to remember you if you have applied or get a job at this facility, just say "thank you for remembering me in the worst time of your life and you found you can only go forward and not dwell in the past".

"The past reminds you of where you've been but does not defy who you are" One of my favorite quotes from ghandi.:heartbeat

[coffee4metech]

Its none of the employers business what happened you said you are weaned off the anit -depressants so it should be a NON ISSUE. The employer does not need to know your personal painful past . Do not dislcose it and it should be fine !!!! goodluck to you !!!