Physical test for RN

zofran · Dec 30, 2009

Congrats on getting a job! But..I have not heard of a physical test for RNs. I got hired almost 5 years ago at a hospital...No physical test required. Just a drug test.

CaLLaCoDe, BSN, RN · Dec 30, 2009

They will probably have you lift say 40 lbs. Have you do diverse other exercises that involve pulling and repetitive motion. Nothing to worry yourself about, most pass with ease. I remember when I took mine, this guy was trying to break world records. That's silly, just do the minimum required and be done with it I say!!

I hope your physical therapist was as sweet as mine, what a kind woman!

LoveMyBugs, BSN, CNA, RN · Dec 30, 2009

When I had to do a physical test, I had to push, and pull a 50lb weight, they had me strech and touch my toes, carry a 30lb weight. They didn't calculate my BMI, they could tell by looking at me that I am overwheight :lol2:

montinurse, BSN · Dec 30, 2009

They'll also check your reflexes, check for scoliosis, see if you can bed over, stretch your arms, etc...

kocheli · Dec 30, 2009

I am in OR.What all blood tests will do?

Freedom42 · Dec 30, 2009

I had to demonstrate a series of physical exercises, including situps and something akin to skydiving (lie on your stomach with your arms in front of you and lift your knees up off the surface of the table for something like 5 seconds). I had to do reps with a large box containing 50 pounds in weights, first lifting it to my waist five times, then to a shelf at shoulder level five times, all while keeping my heart rate within 80 percent of the max for my age. Finally, I had to lift and drag a 150-pound dummy. I'm not an athlete, and I worried a lot the night before. But it turned out that the physical part was relatively easy. I had to take the vision exam twice!

zacarias, ASN, RN · Dec 30, 2009

I've had to do physicals for nursing jobs and it generally just is a basic physical where they check your weight, BP, U/A, cranial nerves, and basic stuff. The last physical I had came out bad because of my blood pressure. They wouldn't pass me. I had to go to a doctor who prescribed me BP meds and said I was OK to work.

I am so happy that my blood pressure is controlled now.

Z

chelynn · Dec 30, 2009

The only blood I had to have drawn was to check TB titer. I also had to have dtp shot. Did some bending and grip tests. Had me show proper lifting mechanics repetidly with different amount of weights. Took a dummy from laying in bed transfered to a chair then back. I am a large person and they didn't do a bmi ratio. I think it's illegal to check that as long as you pass the physical tests and such.

jbudrick, MSN · Dec 30, 2009

I worked in LTC for a short time and they did have a physical test. First I had a regular physical: drug test, BP, temp, medical history, etc. Then I was sent to physical therapy where they gave me a real workout. I was not dressed for it because I did not know what was involved. They had me lifting 50 pds over my head, running on a treadmill and climbing a ladder. They actually had me try to lift a person from the floor holding on under the arms with another person holding onto the feet. I was not in the best of shape and nearly 50 years old but I did pass. I only worked the job for four months. It was a learning experience. Home care is my nitch.

Best wishes with your new job.

Diana :heartbeat

kocheli · Dec 30, 2009

I worked in LTC for a short time and they did have a physical test. First I had a regular physical: drug test, BP, temp, medical history, etc. Then I was sent to physical therapy where they gave me a real workout. I was not dressed for it because I did not know what was involved. They had me lifting 50 pds over my head, running on a treadmill and climbing a ladder. They actually had me try to lift a person from the floor holding on under the arms with another person holding onto the feet. I was not in the best of shape and nearly 50 years old but I did pass. I only worked the job for four months. It was a learning experience. Home care is my nitch.
Best wishes with your new job.
Diana :heartbeat

I am not feeling that i can lift 50 pounds,because i am only 100 pounds.Will they reject me?I am in OR.

jbudrick, MSN · Dec 30, 2009

Hopefully they would not reject you. There are some nursing jobs that are more physically demanding than others. Hopefully some OR nurses will provide more information.

Diana