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?
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.
Thanks everyone, interesting perspectives...I see it's not so odd I questioned this.
Elkpark: is it really "pre-employment" or is it now "post hire"? I've seen that in my searching for info and I found that curious b/c the recruiter even said to me yesterday that it was my "official hiring phone call". She proceeded to tell me after the physical I need to go sign the paperwork, get my parking permit etc... I wouldn't think results would be back yet, so it will be interesting to see the langauage on the paperwork. (if they can rescind the offer, if so under what terms etc...)
I do plan to disclose my herbs that I take. I've researched them and don't see anything contraindicated that they will come up weird, but I'm providing a list anyway. It seems it will be okay to tell them my hx... so far it's not impeded my performance in anyway. From my understanding, anything that is disclosed can not be used against you unless they can prove you cannot function in your job.
That's funny about the 50 lb box ...YES! I have read that in job requirements, often wondered when that would come in play. I think I'd be okay there too if asked to perform that, I won't refuse anything that is asked of me.
You would think if there was something they could use against you healthwise, they'd have to be upfront about that and at least schedule the physical in the screening process, not after supposed hiring has taken place. I've already turned in my resignation and the recruiter knows all of that plus what my last day is. I have nothing to hide, I guess I'll just go from there and let what happens happen. I'm really learning I worry too much on the front end of things and when it gets time for whatever, I really shouldn't have stressed at all...I need to stop that!
It's just you think once you've passed nursing school and then the boards that it should be down hill from there in terms of things that stress you out...then you find out different!
Everywhere I've ever worked over the decades, there was something in the "fine print" or mentioned verbally in passing that the job offer was contingent upon passing the pre-employment physical (that is, it's not final/definite until you've passed the physical). Without going into detail, I did have one situation in my career where an acute medical condition (that I didn't know I had) turned up in a pre-employment physical, and the employer didn't formally rescind the job offer, but wouldn't allow me to start work until the condition had been corrected (it was not anything communicable) -- that ended up being over a month later.
The reason they schedule it this way is because of the cost of doing the exams -- they don't want to do a physical (at their expense) on everyone they're considering for a position; it's just a final step in the process for the final candidate. But they can still withdraw the offer, just as, in most places (everywhere?), they can let you go for any reason they choose during your initial probationary period.
Sorry, finishing school and getting licensed isn't the end of the stress -- in many ways, it's just the beginning! Best wishes!
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.
I just had a similar experience. I am about to start a new job next week, and I was shocked at how involved the "pre-employment" stuff was. Granted, it's been a while since I've worked, but I never even had to submit a urine sample before. LOL It's a whole new world out there now, I guess...
I just had the pre-employment physical done and it really wasn't a big deal after all. I found out already I passed! I did tell them about all of my health issues and concerns and it wasn't a problem.
Basically she told me that people will only fail for the urine test or if they don't come back to have their TB test read. That's not an issue so all's good. She said they do the extensive blood work for your benefit. It doesn't ever hold up or stop anyone's employment. So that's actually cool that you find out what your status is healthwise and if you have anything that needs addressed it can be. She said besides the titers they are doing a lipid panel as well as a glucose check.
Well onto the next stage I guess. I start orientation on Monday and I'm brushing up on arrythmias and things and refreshing on some math. I love math now and figuring things out, but I gotta say it still freaks me, or more apt intimidates me at times. Though I heard the math test at hospitals is pretty basic, I'm still not taking any chances.
Best wishes!
Though I heard the math test at hospitals is pretty basic, I'm still not taking any chances.
Kitty Hawk, ADN, RN
541 Posts
Thanks everyone, interesting perspectives...I see it's not so odd I questioned this.
Elkpark: is it really "pre-employment" or is it now "post hire"? I've seen that in my searching for info and I found that curious b/c the recruiter even said to me yesterday that it was my "official hiring phone call". She proceeded to tell me after the physical I need to go sign the paperwork, get my parking permit etc... I wouldn't think results would be back yet, so it will be interesting to see the langauage on the paperwork. (if they can rescind the offer, if so under what terms etc...)
I do plan to disclose my herbs that I take. I've researched them and don't see anything contraindicated that they will come up weird, but I'm providing a list anyway. It seems it will be okay to tell them my hx... so far it's not impeded my performance in anyway. From my understanding, anything that is disclosed can not be used against you unless they can prove you cannot function in your job.
That's funny about the 50 lb box ...YES! I have read that in job requirements, often wondered when that would come in play. I think I'd be okay there too if asked to perform that, I won't refuse anything that is asked of me.
You would think if there was something they could use against you healthwise, they'd have to be upfront about that and at least schedule the physical in the screening process, not after supposed hiring has taken place. I've already turned in my resignation and the recruiter knows all of that plus what my last day is. I have nothing to hide, I guess I'll just go from there and let what happens happen. I'm really learning I worry too much on the front end of things and when it gets time for whatever, I really shouldn't have stressed at all...I need to stop that!
It's just you think once you've passed nursing school and then the boards that it should be down hill from there in terms of things that stress you out...then you find out different!