Past medical history

Nurses General Nursing

Published

Hi there,

My names James and i'm interested in undertaking a 3 year degree program in Nursing with the intent of becoming an RN and working at a local hospital.

My question is will my past medical history prevent me from gaining employment from hospitals that i've previously been treated at. I know the answer would normally be no providing my medical history doesnt prevent me from performing the role, however my previous treatment at hospital has been for alcohol withdrawal and addiction. I'm clean and sober now and have been for some time. I'm wondering in general if when applying at hospitals a previous medical history is normally checked? Can anyone lend any perspectice or advice on this?

Sorry for the long post and thanks in advance.

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I highly doubt while reading your application they will remember your name at all, they definitely won't remember you as being the patient withdrawing. Medical history is not a factor essentially but there are personal questions asked about smoking and drinking usually.

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Specializes in Med/Surg, LTACH, LTC, Home Health.

When you report to employee health for your initial and then subsequent annual screening, some questionnaires do as "In the last five years, have you been treated for......if yes, please explain". Not sure, but you may have to answer this as part of the selection process for nursing school.

Whether or not your issues landed you a visit through the judicial system is a whole other pile that you'll have to sort out (if this applies) with nursing schools, BON, and potential employers.

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Specializes in Psych ICU, addictions.

I can't tell you how to answer questions for nursing school or job applications. But IMO, honesty is the best policy...that being said, there is no need to volunteer information that isn't requested. Something to keep in mind.

As far as your stay affecting your employment prospects, I doubt that HR would be looking you up to see if you were a patient in their hospital. Besides, HR shouldn't be looking for your medical record in the first place without your express consent as that is a HIPAA violation.

Of course, when it comes to the BON, you BETTER be 100% honest with them. Because if you provide false information and they ever find out, you will find your license (or chances of getting one) in a whole heap of trouble.

Best of luck.

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