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.
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!
They can't legally discriminate against her, but they sure as heck can do it illegally. They just won't tell her. There is a lot of discrimination out there, it's all illegal. Examples: They won't hire a pregnant nurse, a nurse that is older, not pretty, has had cancer, overweight, etc. Fortunately it won't be obvious when she interviews. I hope she doesn't say a whisper about it. It is none of their business.
This is slightly off-topic, but in the same general area of OP's original post. I'm seeing from the responses that it seems more are in favor of not disclosing any of these illnesses on nursing essays, pre-nursing and/or pre-employment physicals.
I had to have a partial shoulder replacement when I was a teen (20 years ago) due to a car accident. Has not affected my ROM one bit and I lift weights 3-4 times a week at the gym. I have a scar. My question is: if I do not disclose this, won't the physical uncover this? Do physicals get this involved where they would see this faded scar?
There is no strip exam during these physicals. The last place I worked did not do one at all but they probably said that they did.
I'm pretty sure they can't legally discriminate against you based on medical history
They can't legally, but we all know it happens-an employer never says we didn't hire you because you had this, they always use the "a better candidate presented" line. I would not discuss it, even if at an oncology related interview. I would wait until I was comfortable with a few coworkers and discuss it then if the topic came up
My question is: if I do not disclose this, won't the physical uncover this? Do physicals get this involved where they would see this faded scar?
The last 3 work physicals I went to, I peed in a cup and sat, fully clothed, on the table while they took vitals, did a light assessment (auscultated my heart and lung fields), and asked general health history questions. I've only had 1, 15-20ish years ago where I had to bend, lift and took a vision and hearing test. Never undressed. So it may never be seen...
The last 3 work physicals I went to, I peed in a cup and sat, fully clothed, on the table while they took vitals, did a light assessment (auscultated my heart and lung fields), and asked general health history questions. I've only had 1, 15-20ish years ago where I had to bend, lift and took a vision and hearing test. Never undressed. So it may never be seen...
Same here. “Breathe in, breathe out. You’re fine.”
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!
No, they can't legally discriminate against you, but it can be done anyway and you'll never know. Why didn't you get the job? Most people never know. In your case they can say it's because you're a new nurse and there were other applicants who weren't. Perfectly reasonable. Don't tell them anything until you have to fill out the medical form at your physical.
The last 3 work physicals I went to, I peed in a cup and sat, fully clothed, on the table while they took vitals, did a light assessment (auscultated my heart and lung fields), and asked general health history questions. I've only had 1, 15-20ish years ago where I had to bend, lift and took a vision and hearing test. Never undressed. So it may never be seen...
Thank you for your responses, Forest2, Hoosier_RN & CommunityRNBSN. This is great info!
They can't legally, but we all know it happens-an employer never says we didn't hire you because you had this, they always use the "a better candidate presented" line. I would not discuss it, even if at an oncology related interview. I would wait until I was comfortable with a few coworkers and discuss it then if the topic came up
Don't discuss it at work with anyone ever. Don't you know that some people love to gather info and gossip about it? Soon the whole place knows your business. You just don't need this aggravation and embarrassment and betrayal.
Specializes in Nurse Leader specializing in Labor & Delivery.
8 hours ago, Mergirlc said:
This is slightly off-topic, but in the same general area of OP's original post. I'm seeing from the responses that it seems more are in favor of not disclosing any of these illnesses on nursing essays, pre-nursing and/or pre-employment physicals.
I had to have a partial shoulder replacement when I was a teen (20 years ago) due to a car accident. Has not affected my ROM one bit and I lift weights 3-4 times a week at the gym. I have a scar. My question is: if I do not disclose this, won't the physical uncover this? Do physicals get this involved where they would see this faded scar?
I've never had a physical as part of a job application/onboarding. The closest thing I've come is that they made me lift 20 lb boxes and carry them back and forth down a hall.
I've never had a physical as part of a job application/onboarding. The closest thing I've come is that they made me lift 20 lb boxes and carry them back and forth down a hall.
Thanks klone. I would assume and almost expect some type of test whether you can lift some amount of weight and then maybe some others such as if you can bend, squat, reach and vision and hearing and urine test. It's interesting to hear about how most of these physicals are based on just your answers and perhaps a test or two.
I guess I've always been paranoid that it will be a real physical such as the one w/ my regular MD. I know if they hear "partial shoulder replacement", the immediate thought might be that I'm some weakling w/ a bad shoulder. This is definitely not the case as it's as normal as ever.
Forest2
625 Posts
They can't legally discriminate against her, but they sure as heck can do it illegally. They just won't tell her. There is a lot of discrimination out there, it's all illegal. Examples: They won't hire a pregnant nurse, a nurse that is older, not pretty, has had cancer, overweight, etc. Fortunately it won't be obvious when she interviews. I hope she doesn't say a whisper about it. It is none of their business.