can an employer retract an offer after the physical exam?

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Hello Everyone!

I've been reading these forums for some time now. I'm a new grad LVN and have finally been offered a job after months of searching. I completed all my paperwork today, and was sent to get my pre-employment physical exam. I know I have nothing to worry about with my drug testing. But during the physical exam, the physician asked me if I had anything regarding my health that I wanted to disclose. I told him that I have a mild case of scoliosis but that it doesn't hinder me from performing any job functions. He asked me how long i've known for, and scribbled something down on my physical exam sheet. He then had me lift my arms in whichever way he did, and bend over as far as I could (i'm almost able to touch my toes). I wasn't afraid to let him know of my condition because I don't have any pain or discomfort. But now i'm afraid that my employer will rescind their offer for fear that i'll have back pain or something while lifting. And I regret telling him, especially because he had no intentions of checking my spine or anything. Would this be a valid reason for my employer to nix my offer?

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Passing the physical exam is mandatory prior to hiring a new employee. My gut says your mild scoliosis should not prevent your being hired, but it could! Then again if you don't mention it and a back problem comes up later they could deny you insurance coverage saying you did not disclose it!!! You are stuck between a rock and a hard place.

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Specializes in Emergency Department.

I agree with the above post, if the offer is contingent upon passing the pre-employment physical then they would be able to revoke the offer.

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i'm hoping that your gut is right! i figured that being honest was the way to go. I guess i'll just have to wait and see.

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It sounds crazy, but with the times we live in. I keep thinking if they don't hire you you could check out American With Disabilities Act!!! I know you don't want to go there, but if you end up not being able to get a job anywhere because of this!!!!!

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There is always that possibility...

Good Luck!

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Hello Everyone!

I've been reading these forums for some time now. I'm a new grad LVN and have finally been offered a job after months of searching. I completed all my paperwork today, and was sent to get my pre-employment physical exam. I know I have nothing to worry about with my drug testing. But during the physical exam, the physician asked me if I had anything regarding my health that I wanted to disclose. I told him that I have a mild case of scoliosis but that it doesn't hinder me from performing any job functions. He asked me how long i've known for, and scribbled something down on my physical exam sheet. He then had me lift my arms in whichever way he did, and bend over as far as I could (i'm almost able to touch my toes). I wasn't afraid to let him know of my condition because I don't have any pain or discomfort. But now i'm afraid that my employer will rescind their offer for fear that i'll have back pain or something while lifting. And I regret telling him, especially because he had no intentions of checking my spine or anything. Would this be a valid reason for my employer to nix my offer?

If the actually ASKED if there was anything that you WANTED to disclose, I can't see how you would be obligated to disclose it. The way it is phrased makes it optional. However, since you chose to disclose it, it might keep you from getting the job.

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Yeah, you're right. Now i'm heavily regretting my decision.

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Specializes in med/surg/tele/neuro/rehab/corrections.

Let us know how it turns out.

So they didn't have you duck walk? I had to duck walk for my exam. :D

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Specializes in Oncology/Haemetology/HIV.

I have scoliosis and it has never kept me from getting a job.

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caroladybelle, your employer was aware of it as well? I really appreciate your response, thank you for piping in.

haha no, no duck walk :)

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Specializes in Oncology/Haemetology/HIV.
caroladybelle, your employer was aware of it as well? I really appreciate your response, thank you for piping in.

Several of them have been aware.

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