Can our medical histories be used against us?

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hopefully

81 Posts

I asked a pharmacist about the drug tests. She told me the drug test only detects illegal drugs like cocaine, marijuna. The other stuff they cannot find. That is what I was told.

I am not telling them on my application about my medications I take. I have high blood pressure and I take meds to control it.

LauraLou

532 Posts

We were asked if we had been treated in-patient for any psychiatric disorders in the last five years. If you had, you needed to provide further documentation.

For the drug screening, I listed all the meds I am taking, including anti-depressents. Nothing was said to me about it. I wouldn't lie about taking medications. I think they would be much more likely to drop you for lying rather than for the antidepressant you are taking.

Buddha

68 Posts

No hiring someone if they had or being treated for depression or whatever is called discrimination. If you can fufill the physical requirements of a postion is all that matters. I say that if i was asked to fill out a Dx or med sheet on an application is grounds to go look for a job elsewhere. This is not a company I would want to work for. :angryfire

patti101

34 Posts

I believe that we were discussing intro into nursing programs, not an employment op.

Nursing programs are totally controlled..

Buddha

68 Posts

I believe that we were discussing intro into nursing programs, not an employment op.

Nursing programs are totally controlled..

When I applied to my program all I had to do is have my Md perform a physical. I had to have a hepitits titre and a tetnus shot. I still don't see why depression would hold you from getting into a program. Heck most of the nurses i know working are being treated for depression. We really would have a nursing shortage.

wonderbee, BSN, RN

1 Article; 2,212 Posts

Specializes in critical care; community health; psych.

In my school, any history of known mental illness earns you a trip to the program director prior to admission.

surfernurse

6 Posts

I wouldn't dinulge any "condition" per se, but revealing any on going meds that are taken would be important. After all, as a patient who takes the med, people around you need to know should anything adverse happen. In those instances, it's important to realize that not only will your be the provider of care, but also recieving care from a provider in some form. Think about how you would want your pateint's to act and respond and do so accordingly.

As far as divulging details, it's not relevant.

kimtab

349 Posts

Nursing School breeds mental illness for Pete's sake. Half my class is on SSRI's and the other half is probably just too busy to go to the doctor. If you are already taking antidepressants, I would just call that prepared.

Kim

PMHNP10

1,041 Posts

Indeed, your psych hx can make becoming a RN difficult. Each state is going to be different, but in TX, for example, having been treated for bipolar, antisocial, borderline, paranoid schizo, etc required you to go through extra steps before you can test. There is no problem with getting into a nursing program, but to actually test is a different thing. Your BNE's NPA is the best source of info. From what I remember from the TX one, depression isn't mentioned, but that's not to say it isn't there.

RedSox33RN

1,483 Posts

Specializes in Emergency Dept, M/S.

I have to fill out a health form for my admission in September, plus have a physical, with the required TB tests and immunizations.

I'm also an insulin-dependant diabetic. I've never hidden that from anyone (heck, I wear a pump, and though it looks like a beeper, it surely isn't), and won't start now either. I'm well-controlled, and I know that I cannot be discriminated against because of it. That MAY still happen, but they'll have a fight on their hands if it does.

I also take meds for migraines. 99% of the time my Migranal spray works for them, or even 800 mg of ibuprofen. But I do have a script for a narcotic in case all other meds fail me, which they do about once a month. Of course I would never take it while doing clinicals, or even driving, but I feel that it is prescribed for a certain reason, and there is no reason to hide it.

My advice is not to lie. I would think that would get someone into more trouble than being honest.

Specializes in ICU, CM, Geriatrics, Management.
You're healthy, healthy, healthy!!. Just keep repeating that.

I liked this response! :)

Specializes in ICU, CM, Geriatrics, Management.
I agree with one exception: Some prescription drugs show up in drug tests. If you don't tell them you're taking it, and it shows up....no job!

Agree with the above.

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