Employment Process--Pre/Health-Screenings?

Altra, BSN, RN · Feb 27, 2006

I've recently (it's official!) been hired as an ER Tech. Today I got a call from HR for the employment paperwork, and I believe they said a pre-health screening. They want some ID, immunization records, and my "professional license."
I was hoping someone could tell me a little bit about what's going to happen at the screening, and what generally happens after the screening?
This is my first job in a hospital, and first real job that required an interview, so you can imagine this is all very new to me. I'd appreciate any information!
-Pose

Congratulations on getting the ER job!

Before the screening you'll probably fill out a health history form. Be prepared to list any medical diagnoses, previous surgeries, prescribed meds & dosages, and immunizations. At age 18, you should probably be able to get the immunization info from your pediatrician/family doc. The screening will consist of a physical exam, probably including a check of your vision, ability to discriminate colors, hearing, and ability to bend. It may also include a brief assessment of cardiovascular fitness, such as taking your pulse, having you run in place for 2 minutes, then checking the pulse again. You will also most likely have blood drawn to check for previous exposure to hepatitis, and a TB test will be administered. You'll need to go back again in 48 hours to have the TB test "read".

It will also include a urine drug test. Depending on the exact practice of the facility, you may be given a specimen cup and asked to void in the presence of a nurse, or asked to empty your pockets before going into the bathroom to void.

You should also be fitted for an N-95 mask that you would wear when taking care of patients with active TB or certain other diseases. The procedure to make sure you're wearing the correct size mask seems kinda silly, but especially in the ER you are definitely at risk for TB exposure so it's important.

The other HR paperwork will include a federal form (I-9) that is required by the federal government for all employers to verify your legal right to work in the US. That's what you need the 2 forms of ID for (the simplest thing to do is probably to use your driver's license and social security card). An HR person must physically see your documents, so be sure you have them with you.

Hope this helps ... welcome to the ER!

Pose · Feb 27, 2006

Thank you very much for the reply, and welcoming!

With the medical diagnosis/medical history, are there any well-known disqualifying factors I should be aware of at this point? I would hate to get in there and have my employment terminated before I even start (I've been diagnosed with a bulging disc in my lower back.) Other than that, I should be okay. I had my immunizations faxed to me today (including hep), and results from a TB test I had 4 months ago (whether or not that will suffice, I don't know.)

Again, thank you, and I know that this will all probably vary on a case-to-case or institutional basis, but any idea would help ease my anxiety. I'm very excited to begin.

-Pose