Do I share my medical history as part of my story to become a nurse?

Hello, I appreciate the advice and insights given from so many Nurses through this site.

I'm a new LPN graduate looking for my first job. Last year while in clinicals I was diagnosed with cancer and had to withdraw from my nursing program to go through treatment. I have since then completed treatment, finished getting my LPN degree, and I'm in full remission.

I recently had a relative tell me I shouldn't let any future employer know that I had cancer because they could reject me as a good candidate for fear that my medical history could be future problem for them, both in time and insurance cost.

The cancer I had was Burkitt's Non-hodgkin's lymphoma and remission rates are extremely high so it is unlikely it will come back.

I feel that my cancer experience has only farther given me insight and compassion for those suffering with health issues and it has in my mind become part of what is going to make me a better nurse. So my question is, how should I present myself and my story to future employers?

Thank you for any insight you may have. I look forward to the day when I can move on to get my RN degree and overtime move from a new grade to a professional experienced nurse.

34 Answers

Specializes in Nephrology, Cardiology, ER, ICU.

No way, never ever ever! I too had cancer after being employed for 10+ years with the same employer...you do not want to disclose this ever!

1. Life insurance - good luck with this one once you've had cancer, no need for anyone to know this unless it is required.

2. Nursing is not about "us" its about patients, again no need to disclose

3. No reason for employer to think you would be able to give 100% to the job.

4. Other co-workers have problems too - again no reason to ever disclose this.

For Pete's sake don't divulge a cancer diagnosis to a prospective or an actual employer!

Specializes in CMSRN, hospice.

I'm pretty sure they can't legally discriminate against you based on medical history. This really depends on your comfort; I know I would not want to share a ton of personal information in an interview, as it's really about how you will meet their needs as a nurse. If you feel it's appropriate, you can always briefly say that your past experience as a patient has reinforced your goals as a nurse, whatever they may be; then focus on other academic and professional experiences. Best of luck with the job search!

Specializes in Pediatrics, Pediatric Float, PICU, NICU.

I personally wouldn't recommend saying anything beyond the vague statement NightNerd suggested of how your experience as a patient has helped shape you, IF you truly feel it will give you a leg up. But that's it. I definitely wouldn't throw the C word out there. Nope.

Never in a million years. There is a reason why they can’t legally ask you!!! Do not volunteer the information!!!

For the record I have lost jobs before that I was by far the most qualified for. Friends on the inside told me why they choose a considerably less qualified applicant, because I was stupid enough to volunteer information that I should have kept to myself.

Specializes in ICU, trauma, neuro.

I wouldn't disclose before being hired. However, afterwards I would "be ready" to apply and activate FMLA, if I had any concerns about disease relapse. Also, keeping a strong immune system (meaning adequate rest/sleep between shifts) may be an important part especially for you of staying healthy. Thus, if this became an issue (for example your employer scheduled you with three on and then only gave you one day off before another three on), I would consider raising the issue of the previous diagnosis (again after being hired).

Specializes in School Nursing, Pediatrics.

NO WAY!! NEVER! Not even after being hired. They cant ask and you SHOULD NEVER divulge that info if you want a job, not even on the pre-employment physical. I wouldn't even bring it up to colleagues. Just NO!

Oh, and congrats!

Specializes in ICU, trauma, neuro.
6 minutes ago, scuba nurse said:

NO WAY!! NEVER! Not even after being hired. They cant ask and you SHOULD NEVER divulge that info if you want a job, not even on the pre-employment physical. I wouldn't even bring it up to colleagues. Just NO!

Oh, and congrats!

I certainly agree that you shouldn't give this sort of information before being hired. However, afterwards is a matter of personal preference and belief system. I believe that most people are loving, and sincerely desire to help others (especially their coworkers). People are best equipped to help others when they have a more complete picture of the challenges that they have faced in the past and struggle with currently. Thus, there are coworkers who I know have "back issues" and I put in extra effort to help them bath their patients, turn their patients and transfer their patients (from the ICU to the floor). We had a nurse undergoing chemo at one point. It helped me understand why she was moody and feel asleep once or twice during a shift for a brief moment. Again, it is a personal choice but I would tend to tell the world even if I were impotent or incontinent, but I am probably at one end of the spectrum in more ways than one.

Specializes in Burn, ICU.

I agree that disclosing your personal details is probably risky. One counterpoint, though, for your consideration: I am a 2nd career RN who left a niche career (ie: something most people don't know much about) to go to nursing school. Part of my decision was based on some major family medical events. I did talk about this in interviews as a way of explaining why I had been drawn to nursing- how my experiences with nurses had opened my eyes, etc... So, the reason I'm mentioning this is you *might* consider vaguely mentioning your experiences with nursing/healthcare as an inspiration. I would only bring it up in answer to a question like "what drew you to be an LPN?" or "how do you think you'll make a difference for your patients?"

Just food for thought. Congratulations on remission, and good job hunting!

14 hours ago, scuba nurse said:

NO WAY!! NEVER! Not even after being hired. They cant ask and you SHOULD NEVER divulge that info if you want a job, not even on the pre-employment physical. I wouldn't even bring it up to colleagues. Just NO!

Oh, and congrats!

Just out of curiosity, if the pre-employment questionnaire/physical asks "have you ever had any type of cancer," you should fib & say no? Is this what most people do? lol.

Could that be grounds for firing later on if it somehow comes up or they wouldn't dare because it's discrimination??

Specializes in Med/Surg, Women's Health, LTC.

NOPE !!! Employers do not want to hear their health insurance rates may go up because of POTENTIAL large claims!

While other nurses tend to sympathize and want to help that person out, keep it to yourself.

Specializes in Psychiatry, Community, Nurse Manager, hospice.

I am not solidly on the side of non-disclosure. I think it could work in your favor or against your favor and most likely you would get some combination of both.

Certainly, your experience as a cancer patient will help you be a better nurse to cancer patients. Whether or not hiring managers will care is a gamble. Some will care in a good way, some will care in a bad way. If you live in an area that has a lot of opportunity, you might choose to disclose to narrow down the place you want to work. Maybe you want to work at a place where they see your personal experience as an asset.

Regardless of what you choose, you should communicate your passion in your interview. I am a psych nurse, and I'm very passionate about it. Probably some people suspect that my passion comes from some personal experience.

I will tell you about a woman I worked with in community mental health who chose to disclose some much more stigmatizing history than a cancer diagnosis. She was a recovering heroin addict and a licensed drug and alcohol counselor. She had a sordid history of prostitution and imprisonment related to her addiction. She also had 10 years clean. She shared details openly as she felt that her experience made her uniquely qualified to work with our population. She got the job.

I thought she was great, but not everyone agreed. Some people saw her as unskilled. She also was very lighthearted while sharing her history which did not sit well with a lot of folks. It made her a target. Eventually that led to her being blamed for some things that were definitely not her fault. She eventually quit.

I don't think she made a mistake in disclosing that she was in recovery. Many of our employees are and we also hire peer counselors. I think she did disclose too many details though, and I think she over-shared with our clients.

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