Invasive questions during orientation

[shavsha]

I just got hired onto a med/surg floor. During our hospital's orientation we were asked to fill out tons of forms. On the employee health form were questions such as Are you pregnant? How many children do you have? Have you ever been hospitalized, when and why. Do you smoke - how many packs, how long? Have you ever filed a workman's comp claim. Have you or anyone in your family have a substance abuse problem. Have you or anyone in your family suffered depression...etc I have nothing to hide but I felt the questions were invasive. Does any one know if it is even legal to ask such questions?

[-jt]

Its illegal for employers to ask personal questions at employment interviews. It looks like after they hired you, they are trying to ascertain the risk you pose to costing them for health benefits. You can get more info on what is allowed & what your rights are from the lawyers at the employment law website over on http://www.prairielaw.com

Thats what they are there for.

Good luck

[fiestynurse]

Employers can require an employment physical and health assessment upon hiring you. I have always filled these forms out as part of my physical exam in the doctor's office. I would definitely question why this is being done in orientation. You should be cautious about what you put on these forms and what you say during your pre-employment physical. Don't reveal too much. This information could be used in a workers compensation claim to prove a pre-existing condition. I sometimes leave things blank, if I feel uncomfortable answering a particular question. No employer has ever questioned that. Never lie or falsify information--that could come back to haunt you.

Personally, I get really peeved at some of the information that employers ask for. I feel that it is such an invasion of my privacy.

I have been finger-printed, drug tested, credit checked, physically examined, and asked the most intrusive questions--just to get a damn job!! You would think I was applying for the CIA.

Ways to protect yourself:

1)Ask your manager or human resources department about the privacy policy regarding this medical information.

2)Find out who has access to this "employee health form"--access should be very limited

3)Ask if the form is put in your personnel files (it's illegal under the Americans with Disabilities Act.)

[NRSKarenRN, BSN, RN]

ried to post to this thread X3, but got timed out! UGH, computers!

Shavsha: Sharon's answered your better than I could on this question---check her links. Saw that the info requested was DURING orientation. It can be requested ONLY after hiring occurs and should only be seen on medical /insurance forms to determine coverage/assign risk for insurance purposes.

NEVER lie on these forms, as can be a means of immediate dismisal, if info found to be false. Much better to leave a question unanswered and discuss with HR dept. Many aides were fired over checking off no criminal history, only to find out they had crimainal background once background check completed. One person left it blank, informed the hiring RN of background and what he had done to change circumstances: was hired after checking into situation.

Keep a copy before submitting the forms. Inquire where the forms kept: medicals must be in separate cabinet from employment records. In PA, at my previous employer, we kept them in manilla envelopes with clips closed to minimize falling out, any quick peaks and in a locked cabinet. Only Senior management had access in HR presence.

When I was signing this H.H. agency's employment forms, I saw that they stated I couldn't work for one year with any clients. I refused to sign the form, as they were subcontractors for most agencies in the area, which would have limited future employment options. I crossed out one year and wrote in three months (area standard), had the regional VP initial the change THEN signed the form.

Best wishes for your new job and welcome to nursing!.