Why is nursing school asking?

Long Term Care Columnist / Guide · May 22, 2013

The school doesn't need to know this information. Think of it this way: if you don't put anything down, there's nothing for them to look up. It's not like they're going to call your doctor's office and ask for your records.

Under ordinary circumstances, I would never advocate the omission of necessary information, let alone outright lying. But one's medical history is protected under HIPAA, and this information is given only on a need-to-know basis. And your school doesn't need to know about your past.

Contrary to popular belief, we do not give up our right to privacy when we become healthcare professionals! If you feel you MUST mention your hospitalization, simply write the dates and be done with it. Same with any meds you might be taking; I wouldn't list them at all unless you're taking one that could pop positive on a urine drug screen. And if that's even remotely possible, you'll need to show the test collector your prescription bottle to show that you have a valid Rx for that medication.

Otherwise, just say No......it's none of their business!

llg, PhD, RN · May 22, 2013

If you choose to omit information ... be careful not to lie on any question. If your lie were to be discovered, it would probably result in you being automatically dismissed from the program -- and that could be disasterous for your career and your finances.

My suggestion is to ask someone why they need the information and how it will be used. If there is a legitimate need for it, then I would give it to them. Giving them the information is probably less of a risk to you than lying to them. If they have no legitmate need for it, then that would raise serious questions about the integrity of the school.

Also, it might be that the faculty/school officials never get the information you give them. It may go to the student health service only and they have a "wall" that prevents it from crossing out of their health care system. That's the way it is with employers. You have to give information to the Occupational Health Department to get the job, but that information is not allowed to be shared with your boss. It is considered "protected health information."

Find out what the situation is with the information you are being asked to give before you make a decision. Don't assume anything.

TheCommuter, BSN, RN · May 22, 2013

The board of nursing in the state where I reside wants to know of any history of mental health issues prior to licensing you, especially if the mental health problem required hospitalization within the past five years.

Perhaps the officials at the nursing program want to know of these issues prior to the point when the student might encounter obstacles with attaining a nursing license.

smoup · May 22, 2013

Thanks for the responses. I'll have to call and talk to someone about why the information is needed and what it's used for.