Blood test for hospital physical

[Kitty Hawk, ADN, RN]

I was told today as part of my physical they do a blood test. Since I'm hardly awake and didn't want to appear stupid to the nurse recruiter....what are they looking for?

This is a 12 hour fasting blood test. I was expecting a urine test for drugs but not this. I can be anemic, haven't had my levels checked, been under a lot of stress and it's been on my to do list in fact I have a script to have it done. Is this going to be a problem?

Thanks.

[Altra, BSN, RN]

Probably checking titers for immunity to Hep B and the communicable diseases for which we are typically vaccinated (measles, polio, etc.) and possibly some general labs - Hgb/Hct, basic chemistry, etc. A 12-hour fast indicates the likelihood that lipids are also ordered.

If you want to know, you need to ask. Every employer is different.

[Kitty Hawk, ADN, RN]

Probably checking titers for immunity to Hep B and the communicable diseases for which we are typically vaccinated (measles, polio, etc.) and possibly some general labs - Hgb/Hct, basic chemistry, etc. A 12-hour fast indicates the likelihood that lipids are also ordered.

If you want to know, you need to ask. Every employer is different.

Okay thanks, I thought there was some general screening that this indicated, didn't realize it varied...I will ask, I just hope the anemia isn't a problem.

[Kitty Hawk, ADN, RN]

Okay after searching the boards....some other questions.

How detailed to hospitals want for any impairments? Seems there's the train of thought that you shouldn't disclose certain things b/c it'll be phrased "is there anything you want to disclose" ...I'm an honest person so it surprises me that you shouldn't offer up certain info if not asked directly.

My concerns are I have MVP (mild form according to my doctor) in addition to the anemia I mentioned as well as IBS issues off and on. None have ever affected my job performance, I've not needed to take any time off in the 6mos that I've been at my other job b/c of them. It doesn't seem that these things should affect but who knows.

Lastly I have residual issues with anxiety (thanks to nursing school!) that I control with natural L-theanine. It works fine to control it. And finally occassionally I get migraines though not near what I used to. Do I tell them all of this? I would think yes I would, but is less more?

Thanks....and I thought just getting hired would be the hard part....

[DayDreamin ER CRNP]

Titers. I had to do a blood test too and it was for MMR and chicken pox and something else I can't remember.

I'm also guessing that since it is a 12-hour fast they are checking lipids but I gotta wonder why they are testing employees for that.

m

[TakeTwoAspirin, MSN, RN, APRN]

It's not stupid to ask them what they are testing for. It's your blood, you get to ask things like that. Why torment yourself with a ton of speculation? Not only do I ask what they are testing for, but I also ask if I can get a copy of the results for my personal records. Again, it's your blood! You may not be able to refuse the testing if you want to keep your job, but you certainly have a right to know what, exactly, they are testing for.

[Kitty Hawk, ADN, RN]

It's not stupid to ask them what they are testing for. It's your blood, you get to ask things like that. Why torment yourself with a ton of speculation? Not only do I ask what they are testing for, but I also ask if I can get a copy of the results for my personal records. Again, it's your blood! You may not be able to refuse the testing if you want to keep your job, but you certainly have a right to know what, exactly, they are testing for.

Thanks I agree, now that I see there's not a standard thing they are testing for. I've only had to do the urine one before.

Any ideas on what I should share or not regarding my medical history? I know there are tons of nurses w/anxiety and even on antianxiety meds. But I just wonder if it's needed or wanted to share that upfront or if that's not what they're looking for. Like I said I control mine w/o pharma meds. And migraines do they need to know that?

[klone, MSN, RN]

IMO, anything that is controlled without the use of prescription medication need not be disclosed, as long as you don't think it will interfere with your job.

I did disclose my anxiety issues because I take a prescription medication for it. In your situation, I would probably not mention it.

[netglow, ASN, RN]

Sometimes they do ask for supplements/herbals as some can screw up your results, and you wouldn't want that to happen.

[TakeTwoAspirin, MSN, RN, APRN]

If they ask me a direct qustion, then I won't lie. If they don't ask, I don't consider anything periphery to what is covered under the law for them to be able to ask me to be their business.

[dscrn]

Lipids is a bit surprising...also. fasting glucose...I agree with listing any supplements/meds you are taking...

[elkpark]

Over the years, I've seen "pre-employment physicals" range from getting a specimen for a UDS and asking about my vaccination hx to a complete H&P. At my current employer, they did a UDS, UA, CBC, CMP, and maybe something else I don't recall (this was a few years ago). I was told in advance what labs they were planning on doing. They also took a pretty comprehensive history, gave me a "body mechanics" test (asking me to actually perform various physical tasks and watching how I did them (y'know how all the job descriptions now list something under "requirements" like, "Ability to lift 50 lbs"? They had a 50 lb box for me to lift), and a few other minor things.

In my experience, most anything is possible. You always have the option of refusing anything you're not comfortable with, but they also have the option of withdrawing the job offer.