Employee Pre Screening Medical Conditions

[Monique Barber]

So, I'm kind of scared. I just got a job at a hospital and was sent an offer package. 

Problem: 

They want a health screening. I'm very overweight, I weigh almost 280. I take medication for anxiety, hypothyroidism, and for partial adrenal insufficiency. I'm really scared. 

[VivaLasViejas, ASN, RN]

I’m assuming that you had an interview with your new place of employment. If your weight had been a factor, they more than likely wouldn’t have hired you, even though the Americans with Disabilities Act prohibits discrimination against people with disabilities. Employers do it every day though, and they get away with it. But yours seems to be enlightened, so I wouldn’t worry too much about the weight. Heck, at one point I weighed 362 lbs and never lacked for work.

Now, they may be interested in your meds, especially your anti-anxiety medication. There’s really no reason for this, and your medical status shouldn’t be an issue, but if they ask, it’s best to be honest.( Don’t volunteer any information though.) It’s going to show up on your drug test anyway, but all you need to do is produce your pill bottle that shows the company’s medical director that you have a prescription for the anxiolytic. You don’t have to bring it to the testing center. 
 

I see you are a new member, so welcome to Allnurses! We’re glad you’re here! 

[Monique Barber]

2 hours ago, VivaLasViejas said:

I’m assuming that you had an interview with your new place of employment. If your weight had been a factor, they more than likely wouldn’t have hired you, even though the Americans with Disabilities Act prohibits discrimination against people with disabilities. Employers do it every day though, and they get away with it. But yours seems to be enlightened, so I wouldn’t worry too much about the weight. Heck, at one point I weighed 362 lbs and never lacked for work.

Now, they may be interested in your meds, especially your anti-anxiety medication. There’s really no reason for this, and your medical status shouldn’t be an issue, but if they ask, it’s best to be honest.( Don’t volunteer any information though.) It’s going to show up on your drug test anyway, but all you need to do is produce your pill bottle that shows the company’s medical director that you have a prescription for the anxiolytic. You don’t have to bring it to the testing center. 
 

I see you are a new member, so welcome to Allnurses! We’re glad you’re here! 

Thank You!

[amoLucia]

MB - like Viva, I say welcome to Allnurses. But I suggest to newbies here that they select an anonymous screen name. Everybody & anybody (incl employers) read this site, and you don't want personal info being connected to you. Better to stay safe under the radar. The mods can  help you change your name.

Again, welcome and good luck for your new job. 

[Monique Barber]

That's not my real name. LOL

[T-Bird78]

I worked with an LPN who didn’t know how much she weighed because our scales only went up to 350.  She worked just fine until she was diagnosed with pulmonary hypertension; she had to miss some time for testing and getting her tx figured out, plus our clinical director didn’t want her working in case she was the only clinical staff member and CPR was necessary for a pt, since my coworker physically couldn’t do it.  Once she got her meds regulated and could do a full cycle of CPR, she came right back with no problem.