Failed Physical Test For CNA Today!!Now What??

withasmilelpn · Jun 6, 2007

I don't remember having to do such a test ever as a cna in LTC. As far as nurses go, lots in LTC say, oh no I can't do such and such because of my back etc... even though our job description says we need to be able to! Everyone seems to respect that. I can think of tons of nursing positions that do not require any lifting like office work and case managers... If you want to do it, do it. (I have knee issues, but I manage and lift anyway. If I'm having a bad day, I just let my cnas know. They know I help all the time and don't seem to mind getting someone else to help. )

Gennaver, MSN · Jun 6, 2007

I... I could not do the lunges without getting off balance, could barely lift 35 pounds and hold it at waist level (no way I would lift 100 lbs at waist level) and in lifting weights over my head in repetitions of 5, had pain in my right shoulder ( I have thoracic outlet, yep I was born with an extra cervical rib). ...

I've been working as a CNA since 1989 and have worked at several places alongside many CNA's.

You are the very first person who I've ever read about who was forced to do lunges or lift weights.

I'd say this was a violation on their part in a big way!!

Gen

rn/writer, RN · Jun 6, 2007

It isn't a violation if everyone is expected to do it. With liablity issues and worker's comp claims becoming so expensive, more and more employers are expecting folks to pass a physical of this nature before hiring them.

Some nursing schools also have physical requirements that have to be met.

The out of shape among us might not like it, but I don't see it going away any time soon.

Tweety, BSN, RN · Jun 6, 2007

I've been working as a CNA since 1989 and have worked at several places alongside many CNA's.
You are the very first person who I've ever read about who was forced to do lunges or lift weights.
I'd say this was a violation on their part in a big way!!
Gen

I disagree. Perhaps it's regional and place by place. I had only to sign a statement that I could do the job description. However, a friend at another hospital had to go to their employee health and prove it, by doing similar things to the op.

People are dishonest. I recently precepted a new hire with a bad back "I'm only working to get the insurance so I can haev surgery." Sure enough she hurt her back the next day in a work related incident. She transferred to another unit so I don't know what happened. But because of dishonest people like her, I support a physical exam prior to hire.

SuesquatchRN, BSN, RN · Jun 6, 2007

I got a physical, drug u/a, and minimal strength test before being hired.

rnin02 · Jun 6, 2007

Has anyone ever had to pick up 100#s by themselves to waist level while working? If I had a large patient (well, most adults are over or at least close to 100 lbs, right? that doesn't even seem large to me) fall...I would get help getting them up. I wouldn't be expected to pick up 100lbs. Anyway, I guess that doesn't really matter in the scheme of things. My hospital does not have (or didn't used to) a physical exam involving a strength test...I think I had an exam of some sort, but the only thing I remember is looking at a Snellen chart. I think the OP asked about community college programs...I would definitely look into a CC RN program. Its true that RNs have more opportunities then LVN/LPNs most of the time...for a slightly longer program (it was 6 semesters for me) I would go for my RN if I were you. Good luck with the WLS! And with your walking plan...that's good exercise and some nice stress reduction at the same time.

rosalea · May 7, 2011

I recently got offered a job as a CNA. After the interview i was emailed stating that they would like to offer me a job. So i came in like 3 days later and signed the job offer and background check. Then after i passed the background check they called me again and wanted me to sign the contingent job off. Then they told me i needed to pass this job functions test. So then i went and took the job functions test. I lifted and did everything the occupationally therapist told me 2 and then i received a call the next day saying i had not passed. She said i failed the part were i had to life 86 pounds and move it 5 inches. But i lifted the 86 pound box 5 inches and she made me take the rest of the test. Can i be failed for bending my knees too much when i lifted the 86 pounds? Why would the occupational therapist make me take the rest of the hour long test when she though i had failed?

JSlovex2 · May 7, 2011

go to a different place and get a physical. the place i got mine read the job description that said i had to lift X amount of weight (it was more than 35) but they didn't actually test me to see if i could. i guess they just assumed i could and i told them i had no health issues.

if getting a physical somewhere else isn't an option then i would say go ahead with your plans for school and lose the weight ASAP. nursing school requires a health physical also.

rosalea · May 7, 2011

I am 19 years old and was a four sport athlete in high school that took weight training. I am very fit and did everything the occupational therapist told me 2. Doe an occupational therapist have the right to fail when cause i bent my knees too much while lifting 86 pounds I still lifted it 5 inches like she asked? I don't know if they are going to give me that option of going to someone else.

caroladybelle, BSN, RN · May 7, 2011

Several issues:

Health conditions rarely get better as a result of becoming a nurse, because work/stress issues. And many are aggravated by nursing school, new job issues. And age/ weight issues make it more problematic.

Also, in 17 years as an RN, I have never worked at a facility that did not require a physical and at least list in their requirements that you be able to lift at least 50lbs, even if they do not test for it.

And while it is laudable, getting weight reduction surgery shortly before starting school is not the best idea. There are a lot of complications that can occur and a lot of requirements/changes in lifestyle to make that surgery successful that will be complicated by starting quickly into nursing school.

And while age discrimination is illegal, it still occurs. Add in that many employers are wary of potential workman's comp issues, and you will find that many facilities will be reluctant to hire anyone over 55 with any limitations, or signs of less than optimal health. It may not be fair, but neither is hiring someone that upfront has demonstrated difficulty performing as the job requires. They worry that you will be hurt, or fellow staffer working with you, or a pt...... All valid concerns.