Mental Health

Nurses Career Support

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Specializes in Onc/Hem, School/Community.

Could a past suicide attempt keep a nurse from getting a new job?

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Unless your license was somehow involved (suspension, discipline or something), how would a potential employer even know about it? Medical records are confidential.

I've known lots of nurses with significant mental health histories, including acute hospitalizations, that continued to pursue their nursing careers without any difficulties. However, that's certainly not information I would volunteer to potential employers -- as long as you are currently competent and safe to do the job you're applying for, it's not any of their business.

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Specializes in Onc/Hem, School/Community.
Unless your license was somehow involved (suspension, discipline or something), how would a potential employer even know about it? Medical records are confidential.

I've known lots of nurses with significant mental health histories, including acute hospitalizations, that continued to pursue their nursing careers without any difficulties. However, that's certainly not information I would volunteer to potential employers -- as long as you are currently competent and safe to do the job you're applying for, it's not any of their business.

I've seen on applications in the past, "Have you ever been hospitalized for depression?"

So, I was just wondering.

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I've seen on applications in the past, "Have you ever been hospitalized for depression?"

So, I was just wondering.

I'm wondering if maybe you saw those questions "in the past" quite a few years ago. That is currently illegal under the ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act). I did a quick search (God bless Google!) and came up with some references (bolding is mine, for emphasis):

"Physical traits, disabilities: If questions are asked related to height and weight requirements such requirements should be directly related to job performance. The Americans with Disabilities Act prohibits general inquiries about disabilities, health problems, and medical conditions. ...

POTENTIAL PITFALLS

... There are several possible pitfalls in designing an application form. On an application form, it is not permissible to pursue any of the following lines of questioning:

Questions about the applicant's age, race, sex, religion, national origin, physical characteristics, or other personal information that violates Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) guidelines.

Questions about the applicant's health history or handicaps (if any) that violate the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) ...

http://definitions.uslegal.com/e/employment-application/

"Disability-Related Questions

These questions are sometimes meant to determine whether a candidate can handle physical aspects of a job. However, federal law bans employers from asking questions that require candidates to disclose disability status prior to hiring. Examples of illegal questions in this category include: Do you have any disabilities? What is the nature of your disability? How severe is your disability? Employers are allowed to ask whether a candidate can perform the job with or without special accommodations. If heavy lifting is required for the job, employers can ask specific questions about performing tasks, such as, 'Can you lift a 50-pound box and carry it 100 yards?'"

http://www.wheretofindjobs.com/articles/29111-Illegal-Questions-for-an-Employer-to-Ask-During-an-Interview.html

"What an Employer Cannot Ask

You cannot be asked about a current or past physical or mental illness, any current or past addictions to controlled substances or personal information about receiving workers' compensation from a previous employer."

http://www.ehow.com/facts_5178930_medical-questions-can-employer-ask_.html

"24. What you can't ask: Do you have any disabilities?

Disabilities, whether they're physical or mental, may affect a candidate's ability to do the job, but it's critical that you avoid asking about them. Rather, find out if the applicant can handle doing what's required.

What to ask instead: Are you able to perform the specific duties of this position?

25. What you can't ask: Have you had any recent or past illnesses or operations?

Again, gauging commitment is important, but illness isn't something that most people can help.The answer here is to make sure that the candidate can perform the job while avoiding questions about his or her physical abilities.

What to ask instead: Are you able to perform the essential functions of this job with or without reasonable accommodations?"

http://www.hrworld.com/features/30-interview-questions-111507/

If anyone asks you such a question, on a job application or in an interview, you are well within your rights to decline to answer it. (Even the separate EEOC statement included on so many applications, where they ask about your age and race and whether you have any disabilities, always includes a statement that providing such information is voluntary on your part and you don't have to complete that part of the application if you don't want to.)

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Specializes in Onc/Hem, School/Community.

Wow, thanks for you answer! I will be sure to keep it in mind.

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Best wishes for your journey -- :balloons:

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